Rouen cathedral spire on fire as building evacuated

YEREVAN, JULY 11, ARMENPRESS. The spire of a famous Gothic cathedral in the French city of Rouen is on fire with firefighters at the scene battling the blaze, BBC reports, citing local officials.

Images show black smoke billowing from a canopy and scaffolding at the top of the building, which is around 150m tall.

The fire's "origin is unknown at this point," mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol said, adding that "all public resources are mobilised" in response, BBC adds.

The Our Lady of the Assumption cathedral has been evacuated and a security perimeter is in place, the prefecture said.

There are no reports of casualties, according to local authorities, and the extent of the damage to the building is unknown.

Rouen cathedral is currently undergoing extensive restoration and featured in several artworks by impressionist artist Claude Monet in the 19th Century.

Incendie au sommet de la flèche de la cathédrale de #Rouen⚠️

La cathédrale a été évacuée.
🚒 Les secours sont sur place, un périmètre de sécurité a été établi.

➡️ Merci d'éviter le secteur et de ne pas encombrer les lignes de secours. pic.twitter.com/ZNjBbZ2S86

— Préfet de Normandie et de la Seine-Maritime (@Prefet76) July 11, 2024