The first fire broke out on the morning of July 23. Authorities determined that a failed electrical circuit inside the building caused the incident. While no injuries were reported, the blaze destroyed the church’s sound equipment and choir organ.

That initial fire raised concerns about infrastructure in the 19th-century church, which was already preparing for lighting renovations ahead of its 150th anniversary. Pastor Father Camille Millour had been working on upgrading the lighting system for safety, not just aesthetics. The electrical fault reinforced the urgency to proceed with those plans.

Less than 36 hours later, a second, more troubling fire occurred. On the afternoon of July 24, flames ignited inside a chapel dedicated to St. Joseph located within the church. Initial reports pointed to vandalism as the likely cause of the fire.

Damage Worsens with Reported Vandalism

In this second fire, vandals reportedly set fire to wooden panels. A canvas above the panels, which had been recently restored, was badly damaged by flames and smoke. The firefighting effort also caused a statue of St. Joseph to fall and break during the operation.

According to Father Millour, the second incident inflicted more physical harm than the first. “This second fire caused even more damage,” he said following the event. No one was injured in the blaze, but the destruction added to the emotional blow for the community.

The church, a longstanding institution in its Paris neighborhood, has now been closed indefinitely. Father Millour announced the closure as part of the joint effort with city officials and police to investigate and begin repairs. “For reasons of the investigation and rehabilitation of the building, our church will remain closed for an indefinite period,” he told parishioners.

Context of Rising Attacks on Churches

The back-to-back incidents come amid a troubling spike in attacks on Christian sites in France. According to The Tablet, France has seen 50 church fires or arson attempts in the last 12 months, up from 38 during the entire year of 2023. Authorities are treating the second fire at Notre Dame des Champs as suspicious.

Paris City Hall, along with the parish, filed a joint police complaint shortly after the second fire. Law enforcement is actively investigating the possible link between the two incidents, as well as whether the second fire was deliberately set. So far, no arrests or charges have been reported.

Support has come from various levels of the church hierarchy and local government. The archbishop of Paris has publicly backed the parish in statements regarding recovery. Father Millour has welcomed the encouragement during this difficult period for his congregation.

Concerns Over Safety and Prevention Measures

Jean-Pierre Lecoq, the mayor of the sixth arrondissement, raised additional concerns in a statement on the social platform X. “Second fire in less than 24 hours at Notre-Dame-des-Champs church!” he wrote, adding that the dual incidents pose “legitimate questions." He emphasized the need for immediate security improvements.

Following the first fire, Mayor Lecoq had already requested a thorough audit of the church’s alarm and electrical systems. The system malfunction during the initial fire has become a focal point in assessing the building’s overall safety and vulnerability.

Church officials were already planning extensive upgrades before the fires occurred. The renovation campaign aimed to update the lighting infrastructure, which Father Millour had described as old and in need of urgent replacement. The recent disasters have made that project even more critical.

Community Faces Uncertain Timeline for Reopening

The exact timeline for reopening remains unknown, and both the investigation and rehabilitation are expected to take time. Municipal authorities and church leadership stress that the building cannot be reopened before a full safety assessment is completed.

Community members have expressed sorrow over the damage inflicted on the cherished church, which has stood as a neighborhood landmark since the 19th century. The loss of important religious and artistic elements, such as the choir organ and restored artwork, adds to the community’s grief.

As authorities continue their investigation, the Notre Dame des Champs case adds to a growing list of religious sites under threat in France. The broader trend has led clergy, public officials, and citizens alike to call for stronger protective measures around places of worship.