Blaze Contained at Historic French Cathedral

A fire broke out at the top of the Gothic Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral in Rouen, Normandy, causing the evacuation of the building. The flames were reported to be coming from a tarp and scaffolding covering the spire, with smoke billowing into the air. According to reports, around 70 firefighters and 40 fire engines responded to the incident, which was contained within about 90 minutes. The cathedral, one of France's finest Gothic buildings, dates back to the 12th century and has been painted by Impressionist artist Claude Monet on several occasions. The archbishop for Rouen cathedral confirmed that workers who were on site when the fire started are safe.