Rouen Cathedral evacuated after mystery blaze breaks out on spire

A fire broke out on the spire of Rouen Cathedral, prompting the mobilisation of vast resources to save the 11th Century building.

The fire at the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Rouen (Seine-Maritime) was noticed at around noon on July 11 when smoke emerged from behind the scaffolding surrounding the spire, which was undergoing scheduled repairs.

Up to 63 firemen were at the scene by 12:30. The building has been evacuated.

The first was put out later in the afternoon, and damage seems to have been limited. Reports from local media suggest the spire itself has not been damaged, but that protective tarpaulin around the spire was set ablaze.

“The origin of the fire is as yet unknown,” announced Rouen mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol on X. “We are deploying all possible means”

The cathedral was consecrated in 1063 by William the Conqueror but has undergone significant reconstruction over the years and was only considered to be complete in 1882 with the addition of the present spire.

The 151m-tall spire briefly made the Rouen Cathedral the tallest building in the world until the completion of Cologne Cathedral.