A massive fire has broken out in one of Paris’ greatest architectural landmarks: Notre Dame Cathedral.
Details are still emerging but French news agency AFP confirmed that a fire is currently underway, citing a Parisian fire service.
Le Monde is reporting that the fire broke out in the attic of the historic monument before spreading to engulf a large section of the roof. A cathedral spokesperson has claimed that the fire was first reported at 5:50 p.m. local time and the building was evacuated shortly thereafter.
Donald Trump even tweeted about it, saying, “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!”
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 [1]
The cathedral was built in the 13th Century and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris, attracting more than 10 million visitors a year.
The photo and videos are simply devastating:
Notre Dame, Paris, is on fire and it feels like the end of the world. pic.twitter.com/qYYk7ewipq [2]
— Shiv Malik (@shivmalik) April 15, 2019 [3]
It’s getting worse. But the fire brigade has turned up. Hard to see how the tackle this. The plume of smoke is already 100s of feet long. pic.twitter.com/5LBf2odKka [4]
— Shiv Malik (@shivmalik) April 15, 2019 [5]
THE FAMOUST CHRISTIAN CATHEDERAL IN THE WORLD, "NOTRE DAME DE PARIS", AGED MANY CENTURIES IS NOW IN FULL FIRE IN PARIS FRANCE pic.twitter.com/rVLoz9BQFm [6]
— BEN MORA (@PERICLES2ZEN) April 15, 2019 [7]
Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral is on fire#Paris [8] #ParisFire [9] #NotreDameCathedral [10] #France [11] pic.twitter.com/4EAkLxkyDR [12]
— Koshish Bestansuri (@Kbestansuri90) April 15, 2019 [13]