Notre Dame's centuries-old wooden roof beams, stone exterior and soaring Gothic architecture made Monday's blaze especially difficult to tackle and Paris firefighters deserve praise for their efforts, experts say.
The spire and most of the roof of the centuries old cathedral have been destroyed, but the two bell towers and the main edifice were saved. Video released by the French Interior Ministry showed the scale of the response. Authorities deployed some 400 firefighters, pumped water from the Seine and flew drones to survey the damage.The biggest problem, experts say, was accessing the wooden ceiling beams which formed the frame for the soaring roof.
I -like most of you- are watching from a world away. But if you're interested in some profession specific things I'd note/be concerned of, you can follow this thread. pic.twitter.com/golMnbYsDK — Gregg Favre April 15, 2019 Read MoreThe fire fighters would have been at a disadvantage"before they ever even pulled out of the firehouse," added Favre. The cathedral's ceiling contains thousands of oak beams, some of which date as far back as the 12th century.Once the beams start burning, the stone exterior makes it harder for firefighters outside the building to get to the source of the flames. The stone traps heat and smoke, preventing them from working inside.
— Sécurité Civile Fr April 15, 2019 Despite the huge challenges, the 400 firefighters were able to save a significant proportion of the cathedral.Thomas Von Essen, a former commissioner of the New York City Fire Department who served during the September 11 attacks, said a photograph of the interior was encouraging. "It's not, you know, 30 feet of debris ... stuff that's going to be smoldering for days. It looks like they got this fire out," said Von Essen.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Notre Dame Cathedral is so important to Catholics worldwideThis week is Holy Week, when millions of Western Christians mark the death and resurrection of Jesus. But as fire engulfed the Notre Dame cathedral, Catholics across the world reacted in horror and disbelief.
Read more »
Why Notre Dame cathedral is so iconicNotre Dame cathedral, a treasure of French Gothic architecture, is one of the most famous symbols of Paris, attracting 12 million visitors and pilgrims yearly.
Read more »
Ex-Notre Dame, NFL running back Wood arrested on murder chargesFormer NFL and Notre Dame running back Cierre Wood was scheduled to appear in co...
Read more »
Famed Notre Dame Cathedral ablaze in ParisFamed Notre Dame Cathedral is on fire in Paris
Read more »
Fire at Notre Dame cathedral: Live updatesPolice in Paris say the Notre Dame cathedral is on fire. Follow for live updates.
Read more »
Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral on fire: firefightersA fire broke out at Notre Dame Cathedral in central Paris on Monday afternoon, a...
Read more »