Fire causes damage to the interior of a church in Spain

This Sunday, August 2, a fire caused damage to the interior of the church of San Martín de Plasencia (Spain), considered one of the oldest in the Spanish city and which houses the second most important local altarpiece.

🔴 Incendio en la Iglesia de San Martín de Plasencia.

👉No se descarta que haya sido provocado, según el alcalde @fernandopgp
👉Está en pleno casco histórico y preocupa el estado en el que pueda quedar su valioso retablo, con obras de Luis de Morales @COPE pic.twitter.com/CDesyINtP5

— COPE Extremadura (@CopeExtremadura) August 2, 2020

According to Spanish media, the fire started at 9:30 pm (local time) on Sunday, and although it is believed that it was caused by an electrical failure, Mayor Fernando Pizarro does not rule out that it was intentional.

The fire broke out from the outside and managed to go through the south door, filling the entire space with smoke. However, the incident could be quickly controlled by firefighters.

Incendio en la iglesia de S.Martín de Plasencia. Las primeras hipótesis apunta a que haya podido ser un cortocircuito el que ha iniciado el fuego en el interior del templo. La rápida actuación de los bomberos ha impedido que las llamas lleguen al retablo del Divino Morales. pic.twitter.com/YtmkdyUW7R

— SER Extremadura (@SERextremadura) August 2, 2020

The newspaper La Vanguardia reports that inside the enclosure "there is a golden and polychrome altarpiece with paintings by Luis de Morales from Extremadura, nicknamed the 'divine', dated between the years 1565 and 1570." These pieces of art were affected by smoke, but none were burned.

"When we can enter, it will be time to assess the damage caused by the fire," Pizarro told the media.

The local police also came to the place, evicting the neighbors from the nearest houses. The Bishop of Plasencia, Mgr José Luis Retana, was also present.

Investigations into the origin of the fire will begin shortly.

Source: Aciprensa