Rouen cathedral spire on fire as building evacuated

The spire of a famous Gothic cathedral in the French city of Rouen is on fire with firefighters at the scene battling the blaze, local officials say

Images posted on X by the prefecture show black smoke billowing from a canopy and scaffolding at the top of the building, which is around 150m (495 feet) tall.

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

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.

"Fire broke out at the tip of the spire, which isn't made of wood, but rather metal," the prefecture of the Seine-Maritime department told AFP news agency.

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

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