The structure of the Notre Dame Cathedral has been saved from a massive fire that had threatened to gut the 800-year-old landmark in Paris, fire officials said late Monday.
The blaze collapsed the cathedral’s spire and spread to one of its rectangular towers. But Paris Fire Chief Jean-Claude Gallet said the church’s main structure had been saved after firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to the northern belfry.
The damage to the building, however, was extensive. "Two-thirds of the roofing has been ravaged,” and firefighters would work through the night to cool down the building, Gallet said.
A look at the cathedral, before and after
Before: Notre Dame Cathedral in September 2018.
After: The image from April 17 shows the aftermath of the recent fire. The main roads and bridges that span the Seine River and lead to the cathedral have been cordoned off and small crowds of people have gathered nearby.
Before: Notre Dame Cathedral is photographed from the top of the Jussieu University tower in Paris, France, 29 September 2016. Photo by Etienne Laurent / EPA-EFE.
After: Flames on the roof of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, 15 April 2019. Photo by Ian Langsdon / EPA-EFE.
Before: A picture taken on march 27, 2019 shows a scaffold during the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, in Paris. Photo by Ludovic Marin / AFP / Getty Images.
After: Flames on the roof of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, 15 April 2019. Photo by Ian Langsdon / EPA-EFE.
Before: A file photo taken on July 15, 2018 shows the Notre Dame Cathedral, in the French capital Paris. Photo by Thomas Samsom / AFP/ Getty Images.
After: Smoke and flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15. Photo by Philippe Lopez / AFP / Getty Images.
Before: Notre Dame Cathedral is photographed from the top of the Jussieu University tower in Paris, France, 29 September 2016 Etienne Laurent / EPA-EFE
After: Smoke and flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15. Photo by Hubert Hitier / AFP / Getty Images.
How the blaze unfolded
The fire started at around 6:50 p.m. local time near the roof of the cathedral. According to Agence France-Presse reports, firefighters said the blaze was "potentially related" to renovations, and started in the attic of the building.
By 7:40 p.m., the fire had spread to the giant spire atop the cathedral.
At 7:53 p.m., the cathedral's spire collapsed as onlookers cried out in horror.
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At 8:07 p.m, the entire roof collapsed, according to a Reuters correspondent on the scene.
At 8:25 p.m., Paris’ Ile de la Cité, the island on which Notre Dame sits, was evacuated by police.
More than 400 firefighters battled the flames engulfing the building until the structure was declared saved at around 10:50 p.m. As of midnight, fire operations were ongoing.
Rebecca Rosman and Brian Hester reported from Paris. John Bacon, Jud McCrehin, Shawn Sullivan, and Steve Kiggins reported from McLean, Va. Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard in London; The Associated Press