Flame suppressing event takes place within Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral, Spain
A significant fire that broke out in Cordoba, Spain's famous mosque-turned-cathedral was quickly extinguished by firefighters, averting a potential catastrophe. The fire, which started around 9 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT), was caused by a short circuit in an electric floor sweeping machine located in the Chapel of Almanzor.
The monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and a jewel of Islamic architecture, reopened to the public the following day, with the affected area cordoned off. Firefighters and police remained on site overnight to ensure safety.
The building, originally a mosque between the 8th and 10th centuries, was later converted into a cathedral after Christians reconquered Spain in the 13th century under King Ferdinand III of Castile. Architectural alterations were made over following centuries.
The fire, reminiscent of the 2019 fire that ravaged Notre Dame in Paris, spread rapidly due to the surrounding wood. Widely shared videos showed flames and smoke billowing from inside the monument. However, the rapid and effective response of three fire teams managed to contain the fire and extinguish it within about 90 minutes. Firefighters continued to cool the monument's walls and roofs to prevent reignition.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, and no further details were provided on why the electric sweeper might have caused the fire. Cordoba Mayor Jose Mara Bellido stated that the fire was averted from being a catastrophe. Notre Dame formally reopened in late 2024, providing a positive comparison for the recovery process of the Cordoba monument.
The cathedral reopened to the public on Saturday morning, according to a spokesman for the cathedral. Firefighters and police will remain on site overnight to ensure safety, allowing visitors to explore the historic site once again during the day.
- The news of the fire incident at Cordoba's famous mosque-turned-cathedral was widely covered by media outlets worldwide, with many comparing it to the fire that ravaged Notre Dame in Paris.
- The incident highlighted the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks for electrical equipment, not only in historic buildings but also in general-news settings like offices, schools, and homes, to prevent accidents like fires caused by short circuits.
- The crime-and-justice department has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with a focus on the electric floor sweeping machine believed to have caused the blaze, as a means to ensure the safety of other historic monuments around the world and prevent similar incidents in the future.
