The mammoth fire that destroyed the spire of Notre Dame Cathedral has spread to one of the church’s landmark rectangular towers.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene of Monday’s fire in Paris watched the flames blazing behind an oblong stained-glass window in the tower.
Paris police say fighters are inside the cathedral working to put the flames out while others work from the exterior. Red smoke is pouring out of the cathedral.
A Notre Dame spokesman said earlier that the church’s entire wooden interior was in flames.
French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived at Notre Dame.
The deputy mayor of Paris said Notre Dame Cathedral has suffered “colossal damages” from a fire that started in the spire and caused it to collapse.
Speaking to BFMTV, Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said first responders are now trying to salvage the art and other priceless pieces stored in the cathedral.
Fires coming out of the #Notre_Dame cathedral. pic.twitter.com/zTxnf75nOS
— Firas El Echi (@FirasElEchi10) April 15, 2019
LATEST: A major fire is underway at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris https://t.co/SNSHnjNEBG pic.twitter.com/RpcmvS3CbQ
— Bloomberg (@business) April 15, 2019
The cause of the blaze isn’t yet known, but scaffolding could be seen on the roof of the burning structure. The spire was undergoing renovation.
The French capital’s police department said no deaths have been reported from the fire. The police department didn’t say anything about injuries.
Firefighters were trying to contain the fire when the cathedral’s spire collapsed.
President Donald Trump posted on Twitter about the fire engulfing Notre Dame Cathedral.
Trump wrote on Twitter after the fire broke out Monday: “So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris” and made suggestions for how first responders should tackle it.
He said: “Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out,” adding: “Must act quickly!”
So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019
My heart breaks for the people of Paris after seeing the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Praying for everyone’s safety.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 15, 2019
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo urged residents of the French capital to stay away from the security perimeter around the Gothic-style church. The mayor said city officials are in touch with Roman Catholic diocese in Paris.
Un terrible incendie est en cours à la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. Les @PompiersParis sont en train de tenter de maîtriser les flammes. Nous sommes mobilisés sur place en lien étroit avec le @dioceseParis. J’invite chacune et chacun à respecter le périmètre de sécurité. pic.twitter.com/9X0tGtlgba
— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) April 15, 2019
The cathedral is home to incalculable works of art and is one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions.
Located on the Ile de la Cite in the center of Paris, the Gothic cathedral is among the most famous from the Middle Ages and was built on the ruins of two earlier churches.
