On July 11, 2024, the city of Rouen in France was thrust into chaos as a fire engulfed the iconic Gothic cathedral in the area. Local officials reported that the spire of the cathedral caught fire, leading to a hurried evacuation of the premises.

Images shared on social media showed thick black smoke billowing out from the canopy and scaffolding surrounding the spire of the cathedral, which stands at an impressive height of about 150 meters (495 feet). Despite the alarming sight, officials managed to contain the blaze before it could cause further damage.

The cause of the fire remains a mystery, as mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol stated that the origin of the fire is still unknown at this time. However, all necessary resources and personnel have been mobilized to address the situation effectively.

Around 70 firefighters and 40 fire engines were deployed to battle the flames, according to fire brigade chief Stephane Gouezec. The cathedral, known as Our Lady of the Assumption, was swiftly evacuated, and a security perimeter was established to ensure the safety of the public.

Despite the intense efforts to control the fire, there have been no reports of casualties at this time. The extent of the damage inflicted on the historic cathedral remains uncertain, leaving many concerned about the future of this architectural gem.

A spokesperson from the prefecture of the Seine-Maritime department revealed that the fire started at the tip of the spire, which is made of metal rather than wood. The Rouen cathedral, featured in renowned artworks by Claude Monet, has been undergoing extensive restoration work in recent times.

With parts of the cathedral dating back over 900 years to the 12th century, the iconic structure holds immense historical significance. Between 1876 and 1880, it held the title of the world’s tallest building, further adding to its allure and importance in the architectural world.