Rouen Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, suffered a small amount of damage when a fire broke out yesterday in its spire. The structure was undergoing restoration work at the time.
French authorities reported that the fire broke out around noon and by 2 p.m. brought under control by the 63 firefighters operating on site. The flames only affected the metal structure of the spire and the protective tarpaulin surrounding the site.
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Rouen Cathedral released a statement, explaining “the workers on site immediately called the fire brigade who rushed to the scene very quickly. Very quickly, the workers were out of danger. An immense emotion ran through the staff of the cathedral and the archbishopric, shared immediately by the population and the authorities who went to the site… The fire is currently fully contained, and fire crews remain on site to monitor possible hot spots. The relief is equal to the fear of the first minutes.” The Archbishop of Rouen also thanked the firefighters and police for their help.
Rouen Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in Normandy, France, has a rich history dating back to its foundation in the 4th century. The current structure, primarily built between the 12th and 16th centuries, features intricate architecture and has housed notable events, including the burial of Richard the Lionheart’s heart. During World War Two, the cathedral suffered significant damage from Allied bombing raids in 1944, which caused the collapse of the spire and extensive harm to its stained glass windows and other structures. The spire has been under restoration since 2016.
Rouen Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, suffered a small amount of damage when a fire broke out yesterday in its spire. The structure was undergoing restoration work at the time.
French authorities reported that the fire broke out around noon and by 2 p.m. brought under control by the 63 firefighters operating on site. The flames only affected the metal structure of the spire and the protective tarpaulin surrounding the site.
Rouen Cathedral released a statement, explaining “the workers on site immediately called the fire brigade who rushed to the scene very quickly. Very quickly, the workers were out of danger. An immense emotion ran through the staff of the cathedral and the archbishopric, shared immediately by the population and the authorities who went to the site… The fire is currently fully contained, and fire crews remain on site to monitor possible hot spots. The relief is equal to the fear of the first minutes.” The Archbishop of Rouen also thanked the firefighters and police for their help.
Rouen Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in Normandy, France, has a rich history dating back to its foundation in the 4th century. The current structure, primarily built between the 12th and 16th centuries, features intricate architecture and has housed notable events, including the burial of Richard the Lionheart’s heart. During World War Two, the cathedral suffered significant damage from Allied bombing raids in 1944, which caused the collapse of the spire and extensive harm to its stained glass windows and other structures. The spire has been under restoration since 2016.
Top Image: Photo courtesy City of Rouen
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