A fire broke out on Thursday on the spire of the medieval cathedral in the Normandy city of Rouen, according to French authorities. Witnesses reported seeing smoke emanating from the spire, drawing comparisons to the devastating fire that occurred in 2019 at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which resulted in the collapse of its spire and roof.
Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol took to social media to announce that a fire had started on the spire of the cathedral of Rouen, with the cause still unknown at this stage. He mentioned that all public resources were being mobilized to address the situation. The regional administration also confirmed the evacuation of the cathedral and the establishment of a security perimeter around the area.
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, a significant landmark, is set to reopen in December following an extensive reconstruction effort after the fire that was determined to be an accident. The incident in Rouen has sparked concerns and heightened vigilance, given the historical and architectural importance of such structures.
Authorities are working diligently to contain the fire and prevent further damage to the cathedral in Rouen. The safety of the public and preservation of the cultural heritage are top priorities as investigations into the cause of the fire are expected to commence. The community is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities during this challenging time.
