Situation critical in Paris – Next hour and a half will be crucial to save Notre Dame, firefighter says
The next hour and a half will be crucial to efforts to save what remains of the Notre Dame cathedral, said Jean-Claude Gallet, commander general of the Paris Fire Brigade. In the mean time the spire atop the iconic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris collapsed during the massive blaze. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he is "horrified" to see the images coming out of Paris.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he is “horrified” to see the images coming out of Paris.
“Horrified by the pictures coming from Paris with the fire engulfing Notre Dame Cathedral — a unique example of world heritage that has stood tall since the 14th century,” Mr Guterres said in a tweet. “My thoughts are with the people and government of France.”
“We need to win this battle and block the spreading of the flames. The most efficient action is from the inside. We are not sure if we will be able to stop the spreading of the flames to the North Tower,” he said.
He said the initial call to emergency services notified authorities of a fire in the attic of the cathedral, although the cause of the blaze is unknown.
“We are evacuating the most precious artwork that is being sheltered,” Gallet said.
In the mean time the spire atop the iconic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris collapsed during the massive blaze.
The flaming spire, which was surrounded by scaffolding, leaned to one side and then collapsed onto the burning roof. The fire rapidly spread and took over the iconic cathedral.The collapse drew gasps from a crowd watching nearby. They were joined by somber people who had come to recognize the landmark as a symbol of Paris.
