Iconic Notre Dame In Flames

Built between the 12th through 14th centuries, Notre Dame is the iconic symbol of Paris. Its famous central spire was built in the 19th century. But now crowds and the world can only watch in silent, stunned horror as a massive fire burns uncontrollably through this magnificent cathedral. Earlier, the church spire tumbled to the ground.

Paris Mayor’s first deputy went on French TV to speak about the special mission launched in an effort to save as many works of art as possible. “Everything is burning, nothing will remain from the frame,” said Andre Minot, Notre Dame’s spokesman.

A witness, Elaine Leaven worth, described ashes and embers falling from the sky, holding a piece in her hand. Water drops from the fire hoses can also be felt.

The cause remains unknown at this hour. It is possible the blaze is linked to the $6.8 million renovation project currently in progress at the cathedral and its 250 tons of lead on the spire.

At least 400 firefighters are on the scene spraying water from tanker trucks. In response to President Trump’s earlier tweet suggesting flying water tankers, the French Securite Civile responded with its own tweet, explaining that the weight and intensity of water dropping at a low altitude could weaken the structure and perhaps damage nearby buildings.

Firefighters say that the next hour and a half will determine whether Notre Dame can be saved. The church’s three stained-glass rose windows on the north, south and west faces number among the celebrated and priceless art treasures. “There’s a risk that the great bell falls. If the bell falls, it’s the tower that collapses. There are firefighters inside and outside,” said Jean-Claude Gallet, command general of the Paris Fire Brigade. The spire atop the cathedral first leaned to one side before collapsing entirely. The fire then spread rapidly into the cathedral itself.

French President Macron rushed to the scene and then met with Paris police in its nearby headquarters. The fire is being treated as a national emergency. Reactions from around the world all express a similar shock for this great tragedy that comes during Easter week.

Some facts about Notre Dame:

• Pope Alexander III laid its foundation stone in 1163.
• The cathedral was completed in the 13th century.
• The central spire was built in the 19th century bolstered by Victor Hugo’s successful novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.”
• Notre Dame was one of the earliest structures built with exterior flying buttresses which are now so identified with the cathedral.

*UPDATE* Some great and welcomed news. The fire at Notre Dame is now under control according to Paris police spokesperson. Major art pieces and sacred items were saved.