Rouen, France – A fire broke out in the spire of the historic Rouen Cathedral on Thursday, July 11, igniting plastic sheeting used in ongoing renovations 120 meters above ground.
The fire, which led to a dramatic column of smoke rising above the Gothic landmark, was swiftly brought under control by local fire services, with no major damage reported.
The incident, which occurred around midday, initially saw workers on-site attempting to extinguish the blaze themselves before alerting the departmental fire service.
Upon receiving the alarm, approximately 70 firefighters and 40 vehicles were dispatched to the scene. Despite the quick response, three workers suffered mild smoke inhalation while trying to control the fire with extinguishers.
Local fire chief Stephane Gouezec confirmed that the fire was declared extinguished by 5 pm local time. “The interior was saved, above all the works of art,” remarked Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who visited the scene at President Emmanuel Macron’s request. In a precautionary move, 28 pieces of artwork were removed to ensure their safety.
The fire’s origin remains unclear, although officials have confirmed that it started in a section of plastic sheeting covering renovation work. “The fire broke out at the tip of the spire, which isn’t made of wood, but rather metal,” explained the prefecture of the Seine-Maritime department to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Rouen Cathedral, a striking example of Gothic architecture, has a storied history dating back to the 12th century. Renovations have been ongoing since 2017, overseen by Normandy’s culture authority.
This latest renovation effort included the creation of firewalls within the wooden structure and reinforcing roofing vaults, measures put in place to prevent a disaster akin to the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 2019.
In 1822, the cathedral’s spire, initially constructed of wood, was destroyed by a lightning strike. It was subsequently rebuilt using cast iron and later steel in the early 19th century. The current renovation efforts are part of a long-term project to preserve and protect the historic structure for future generations.
The swift response and effective handling of Thursday’s fire highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and the dedication of local fire services. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving historical landmarks and ensuring their safety amidst ongoing restoration efforts.
As the city of Rouen breathes a sigh of relief, attention now turns to the investigation into the cause of the fire. The outcome of this inquiry will be crucial in informing future safety protocols and preventing similar incidents.
Rouen Cathedral stands not only as a place of worship but also as a testament to the architectural and historical legacy of Normandy. Its survival through various trials, including the latest fire, underscores its resilience and the community’s commitment to its preservation.
In the wake of this incident, local authorities and cultural institutions are likely to reassess safety measures to further protect such invaluable heritage sites. The quick containment of the fire at Rouen Cathedral is a testament to the effectiveness of these efforts, ensuring that this historical gem remains a symbol of Rouen’s rich cultural heritage.
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