The iconic Gothic cathedral in Rouen, France, faced a scare as its spire caught fire during renovation work, leading to a swift evacuation of the premises. The dramatic incident unfolded as builders working on the cathedral noticed flames engulfing the spire, prompting a quick response from local authorities.
Images shared by the prefecture showed thick black smoke billowing from the canopy and scaffolding at the top of the 495-foot-tall structure. Fortunately, the blaze was contained, with only three workers suffering from mild smoke inhalation. Firefighters and fire engines were deployed to the scene to tackle the fire, which was primarily focused on the plastic parts of the construction site.
Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol assured that all necessary resources were mobilized to address the situation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the historic cathedral. The Archbishop of Rouen expressed relief that all workers managed to escape the flames unharmed, with one worker even expressing gratitude for their miraculous escape.
Rouen cathedral, known for its appearance in Claude Monet’s artworks, has a rich history dating back over 900 years. The recent incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of historic structures, following the devastating fire at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris in 2019. As restoration work continues on these architectural marvels, the importance of preserving these cultural treasures remains paramount.
