Spotlight Blamed for Windsor Fire
A spotlight that overheated a curtain sparked the blaze that ravaged Windsor Castle, a report released Friday by Buckingham Palace said.
The investigation by a five-member team of fire officers, police and forensic scientists said no individual was to blame for the Nov. 20 fire at the historic castle, the weekend home of Queen Elizabeth II.
The report confirmed eyewitness accounts that the fire began in the queen’s private chapel in the northwest corner of the castle, 20 miles west of London.
The chapel was being used as a temporary storage and restoration place for paintings. Investigators said a big picture frame left against the curtain may have pressed the drapes too close to the spotlight.
Rescuers, including the queen’s son, Prince Andrew, managed to save most of the valuable artwork.
One painting, the chapel organ, a sideboard and some porcelain were lost.
The fire took nine hours to control, causing damage unofficially estimated at $93.6 million to six rooms and a banquet hall.
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