France - Paris: Historic Notre Dame goes up in flames: Huge fire underway at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Notre Dame, Paris France

A "significant fire" broke out at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in central Paris at 7 pm local time,
according to the national police.

Smoke could be seen billowing out from the top of the medieval cathedral, as flames leapt out beside its two bell towers.

French fire services said they are "not sure" if the fire can be stopped, according to AFP.
 
Both the spire and roof of the cathedral have now collapsed.

Footage from the scene showed flames inside one of the building's two towers.

Notre Dame Cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is perhaps the most famous church in the world. It is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Paris and work was begun in 1163 and completed in 1345.  During the French Revolution, the cathedral was rededicated to the Cult of Reason, and then to the Cult of the Supreme Being and many of the treasures of the cathedral were either destroyed or plundered

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Live updates: Huge fire underway at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris | Euronews