A FIRE ON the spire of famous Gothic French cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, in the city of Normandy, is now contained, French authorities have said.

The cathedral was evacuated and emergency services are on site, the Prefect of Normandy and Seine-Maritim said earlier today.

The fire was brought under control by the 63 firefighters operating on site. Police have set up a security perimeter.

The flames only affected the metal structure of the spire and the protective tarpaulin surrounding the site, the city’s official website said. 

The spire has been under restoration since 2016.

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

Construction on the cathedral began in 1030, and it is famous for its three towers. French impressionist artist Claude Monet painted a series of the cathedral in the 19th century. The cathedral was damaged during World War II, but was later restored.

In 2019, world-famous cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris suffered overwhelming damage after a fire broke out, believed to have been caused by a short electrical circuit or cigarette.