Fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Fire tears through Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Smokes ascends as flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019 afternoon, potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site, the fire service said.

Smokes ascends as flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on April 15, 2019 afternoon, potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site, the fire service said.

Firefighters in Paris, France are battling a blaze at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.

Photos on social media show big clouds of grey smoke billowing from the building, which is more than 800 years old.
Police in the city confirmed on Twitter that they are reporting to the scene.
“Avoid the area and facilitate the passage of emergency and intervention vehicles @prefpolice,” they tweeted in French.

Firefighters told AFP that the blaze could be linked to planned maintenance and restoration of the building.
A city hall spokesman said on Twitter that the area was being cleared.



 
Yes, other people are noticing too that there doesn't seem to be many fire workers… strange.

Comments by readers in the MSM (here, for example) also show quite a few people being suspicious: the firemen took 50 minutes to arrive, there were no helicopters, it happens just during Easter week, and right before president Macron was supposed to give a speech about the policies undertaken to respond to the Gilets Jaunes crisis (now postponed till further notice).
 
There is:
29735

But they say it's too high:
The fire brigade still cannot access the burning part of the building. They fold up the water lance that had been brought nearby.

And I agree it's seem ridiculous. Another point is the lack of prevention.

Notice that at least 3 others buildings had burned recently in Paris which is quite unusual.
 
About the Cathedral:

High place of Christendom, one of the most visited monuments!
Every year, 13 million visitors from all over the world cross its portals.


"Its fame is not overworked: it is one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture.
More than a historical monument, this cathedral is above all "the House of God and the abode of men", because this edifice, living by the faith and prayer of the faithful, is charged with human and Christian experience. This place is a witness to the life of the people of God, the radiance of his charity, his fervent hope.
Since its origins, it is the living stones, formed by the believers, that give it its true existence."

History:

"One of the most notable monuments in Paris (and in all of Europe for that matter) is the Notre Dame Cathedral. This Catholic treasure is over 800 years old. It is located on a small island called the Ile de la Cite in the middle of the River Seine. The building of the cathedral was completed over the course of 200 years; it was started in 1163 during the reign of King Louis VII and was completed in 1345.

As is the case with most notable historical monuments, The Notre dame Cathedral Paris has its own share of both the glorious and the tragic historical moments that will forever remain indelible in the mind of people everywhere. Among them is the crowning of Henry VI of England right inside the cathedral in 1431. The Cathedral was at one time in a stage of total disrepair and close to the point of being demolished, but was later saved by Napoleon who himself was crowned Emperor in 1804 inside the Cathedral.

After restoring the Cathedral back to its formal beauty and in the midst of World War II, it was rumored that the German soldiers might destroy the newly installed stained glass. It was therefore removed and only reinstalled again after the war had ended. The steps were taken because of only one particular archeological glass window called the Rose window which is supposed to be the biggest glass window in the world produced in the 13th century.

Discussing the history of the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris would not be complete without discussing the most famous story of the peasant girl, Joan of Arc, who is well documented in the history books of France. She was very brave and claimed that she had visions from God. This poor girl had spiritual and character richness even though she had no material goods. Through her visions and courage, she helped France in the battles against the English troops. While using the wise military tactics of Joan of Arc, the well-known heroine, France won many fights against England. She also was a great supporter of the monarchy; she is indirectly the reason why Charles VII was crowned. However, Joan of Arc was captured by the Burundians’, accused of heresy and tragically, she was burned at the stake. But this was not the end of the brave girl. On the 7th of July 1456, Joan of Arc was declared innocent and a martyr. In 1909 she was beatified in the famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris by Pope Pius X.

Notre Dame Cathedral which can also be called “our lady” is still in use today by the Roman Catholic Church for Sunday mass and it is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. A notable and distinct historical artefact which is very popular today is the famous bell that has been redesigned to ring automatically. Any visitor to the bell tower should be prepared to climb the 140 steps staircase, if desirous of seeing the historical bell or have a glimpse of the city of Paris.

Also inside the Notre Dame Cathedral, among so many historical artefacts, is the notable 17th century organ with all of its parts still functional. There are also drawings, plans and engravings which showed the old and hidden mysteries of several of the church developments and how the city of Paris came into being."
 
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