Colossal Fire Engulfs Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Fumes of smoke could be seen billowing out from the top of the medieval cathedral
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A massive fire has broken out in the famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris this Monday afternoon, according to developing reports.
Fumes of smoke could be seen billowing out from the top of the medieval cathedral and could be seen from miles away.
French firefighters are continuing to battle the flames.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo called it a "terrible fire."
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It is not yet clear how the fire was caused, but the building was undergoing a $6.8 million renovation project, with many parts covered by scaffolding.
Last week, statues were removed to carry out the works.
Sources told Neon Nettle that spectacle of the flames is drawing huge crowds.
President Donald Trump tweeted:
“horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.”
According to The Daily Mail: Officials in Paris said the fire could be linked to restoration works as the peak of the church is currently undergoing a 6 million-euro ($6.8 million) renovation project.
The intensity of the flames coming out of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris... pic.twitter.com/JDAMCXFMk4
— Caleb Hull (@CalebJHull) April 15, 2019
#NotreDame now. Entire spire is on fire pic.twitter.com/3410wSwhf3
— Patrick Galey (@patrickgaley) April 15, 2019
So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019
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Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says firefighters are trying to contain a 'terrible fire' at the city's Notre Cathedral.
Hidalgo urged residents of the French capital to stay away from the security perimeter around the Gothic-style church. The mayor says city officials are in touch with Roman Catholic diocese in Paris.
The cathedral is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in Europe, and one of the most visited buildings in the world.
Notre Dame - which means 'Our Lady' - was build in 1160 and completed by 1260, and has been modified on many occasions throughout the century.
It is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Paris and is visited by some 12million people every year.
The fire spread rapidly across the roof-line of the cathedral leaving one of the spires and another section of the roof engulfed in flames.
