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A fire has broken out at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, one of the city's most iconic sights.

The fire began at 6:50 p.m. local time Monday, the Paris fire department said, and continued to burn more than two hours later. An official from the French Interior Ministry says firefighters might not be able to save Notre Dame Cathedral, according to The Associated Press.

A spokesperson for the cathedral described the damage to French media as "colossal."

"Everything is burning, nothing will remain from the frame," the spokesperson said.


First responders are currently trying to salvage priceless art stored inside the cathedral, said Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire.

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Images on social media show smoke and flames shooting from the top of Notre Dame as massive plumes of smoke billow into the sky above.

One video shows a spire toppling over as a result of the flames.

The fire may be connected to the recent restoration of the church, officials said.

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Last week, the statues of the apostles were removed for restoration, The Associated Press reported.

The roof has completely collapsed, witness John Dickas, an American professor living in Paris, told ABC News.




Large crowds have begun to gather around the scene. Some members of began to sing at the sight of the burning cathedral.

The cathedral was built around 1260 AD and towered over the city of Paris for centuries. Much of the facade and interior are true to their original designs.

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Originally posted by SIGNYM: All artworks have been rescued.

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Originally posted by WISHIMAY:
Yes, they were restoring the roof when a fire broke out in the attic.

Can't help but think of "A Guy Like You" from the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Paris, the city of lovers
Is glowing this evening
True, that's because it's on fire
But still, there's l'amour
Somewhere out there in the night
Her heart is also alight
And I know the guy she just might
Be burning for

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Originally posted by whozit:
It stood for 800 years, it was likely set on fire buy some putz sneaking a smoke in the attic.

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Originally posted by WISHIMAY:

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Originally posted by whozit:
It stood for 800 years, it was likely set on fire buy some putz sneaking a smoke in the attic.

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I'm betting halogen construction lamp. Leave one of them on for a couple hours, shake some dust loose and... poof.

Wonder if the people doing the reconstruction would have insurance on the hook for that? How do you say "bankruptcy" in French?

edited to add: My kid says she thinks it's "a la broke"

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While the staggering outside damage to the historic French cathedral has yet to be assessed, it would appear that despite the massive damage to the frame and the wooden roof, the inside of the Notre Dame was miraculously spared.

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Originally posted by whozit:
It took two hours for the firemen to get there because they had trouble getting around the crowds. You'd think people would step aside when they see a big fire truck trying to get to that big burning building they're staring at.

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Originally posted by JEWELSTAITEFAN:

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Originally posted by whozit:
It took two hours for the firemen to get there because they had trouble getting around the crowds. You'd think people would step aside when they see a big fire truck trying to get to that big burning building they're staring at.

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Never expect frogs to be logical.

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