Firefighters save Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral after massive blaze guts roof, burns down spire
- Main towers of the building saved after hours-long battle with flames, Paris fire chief Jean-Claude Gallet said
- One firefighter injured, no civilian casualties reported
The main structure of Paris’ famed Notre Dame Cathedral has been saved after hours of firefighting put out a devastating blaze, the city’s top fire official said on Monday.
“We can consider that the main structure of Notre Dame has been saved and preserved,” Paris fire brigade chief Jean-Claude Gallet told reporters outside the cathedral, adding it appeared that the two main towers of the building had now been saved.
The fire was said to be under control, a spokesman said.
A colossal blaze had swept through the centuries-old landmark, causing its spire to collapse – followed by the entire roof – and raising fears over the future of the building and its precious artworks.
The fire, which began in the early evening, sent flames and huge clouds of grey smoke billowing into the sky as stunned Parisians and tourists watched on in sheer horror.