A tarp covering the majestic spire of the historic Notre-Dame de Rouen cathedral in France, famously depicted by artist Claude Monet, caught fire on Thursday morning, as confirmed by city officials. The cathedral, located approximately 70 miles northwest of Paris, was promptly evacuated, and emergency services swiftly responded to the scene.
City Mayor’s Response: The city’s mayor, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, expressed on social media that all available public resources were immediately deployed to address the situation. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.
Status Update: Caroline Dutarte, an official from Rouen, reported that the fire was contained to the tarp covering the cathedral’s spire, which was part of ongoing renovation work. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and damage appears to be minimal.
Artistic Connection: Claude Monet, renowned for his Impressionist works, painted the Rouen cathedral over 30 times during the early 1890s. His series of paintings captured the cathedral’s facade from various perspectives and lighting conditions, showcasing his artistic interpretation of the iconic landmark.
This is a developing story. Further updates may follow.
Reporting by Ségolène Le Stradic from Paris.