(ZENIT News / Rouen, 07.11.2024).- A midday fire on Thursday, July 11, ignited panic as flames engulfed the spire of the Gothic Rouen Cathedral in France, stirring memories of the devastating Notre-Dame Cathedral fire in Paris years earlier.
The alarm was raised by workers on site who quickly called the fire department. The cathedral, currently undergoing restoration, saw its 151-meter spire catch fire, reportedly due to a welding spark igniting plastic sheeting covering the work area.
In a precautionary move, 28 artworks were swiftly secured as the flames threatened to spread. The Rouen Cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, is renowned for its impressive architecture and the series of paintings by the famous impressionist Claude Monet. The current spire, however, is not the original; the original wooden spire was destroyed by a lightning strike.
Breaking news – 🇫🇷 The spire of the Catholic cathedral of Rouen is on fire
It happened at noon on July 11: the 151-meter spire of the Gothic cathedral of Rouen went up in flames. The cause is still unknown. pic.twitter.com/pnAOIYFLmQ
— ZenitEnglish (@zenitenglish) July 11, 2024
Statement from the Diocese of Rouen
In the early hours of this morning, a fire broke out in the spire of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen. Workers immediately alerted the fire brigade, who responded swiftly. Thankfully, all workers are safe.
The incident has deeply moved the cathedral staff, the archdiocese, and the public, as well as local authorities who arrived at the scene.
The Archbishop extended heartfelt thanks to all involved: the steadfast sacristans, the workers, the professional firefighters, the police, and the prefecture and historical monument authorities for their coordinated response.
Currently, the fire is fully under control, with fire crews remaining on site to monitor any potential hotspots. The relief is palpable after the initial fear.
The cathedral is expected to reopen tomorrow, Friday, July 12, 2024.
The diocese is profoundly grateful for the numerous messages of support, particularly from the Archbishop of Paris and the rector of Notre-Dame.
Rouen, July 11, 2024
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