The 800-year-old church is not only an important landmark for Catholics, but for art historians as well.

One of France’s most famous landmarks, the medieval Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris was engulfed in flames beginning just before 10am PST. It has been reported that its spire and roof have collapsed. Officials have said that the fire at the landmark could be linked to renovation work. According to BBC, “a Paris fire official said the main structure had now been ‘saved and preserved,” and that the cathedral has been saved from “total destruction.” Nearby residents have been evacuated in case of building collapse, according to Paris Mayor Ann Hildago.

“All efforts are being directed towards saving the artwork stored at the back of the cathedral, which had been undergoing renovations and preventing the collapse of its northern tower,” according to CNBC.

Bystanders have continued to watch the 850-year-old Gothic structure burn, some with tears, shocked expressions, and some documenting the catastrophe with their smartphones. However, the Paris mayor and firefighters have “warned people to say away from the area.” So far, there have been no confirmed deaths.

The cathedral is known for being featured in Victor Hugo’s classic novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and draws in large amounts of tourism every year. President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the location of the fire and met with the Paris Police. He expressed grief on his Twitter account. Prime Minister Theresa May also expressed support.

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron tweeted:

Notre-Dame de Paris en proie aux flammes. Émotion de toute une nation. Pensée pour tous les catholiques et pour tous les Français. Comme tous nos compatriotes, je suis triste ce soir de voir brûler cette part de nous. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019



English translation: “Our Lady of Paris in flames. Emotion of a whole nation. Thought for all Catholics and for all French. Like all our countrymen, I’m sad tonight to see this part of us burn.”

The next 1.5 hours will be crucial to save what remains of the Notre Dame cathedral, said Jean-Claude Gallet, Paris Fire Brigade commander general. “There’s a risk that the great bell falls. If the bell falls, it’s the tower that collapses." Follow live: https://t.co/SIKjcizWJO pic.twitter.com/QeqV75JwYf — CNN (@CNN) April 15, 2019

The President of U.S. Bishops’ conference Daniel Cardinal DiNardo stated: “The horrific fire that is engulfing the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is shocking and saddens us all, for this particular cathedral is not only a majestic Church, it is also a world treasure,” he said, adding, “our hearts go out to the Archbishop and the people of Paris, and we pray for all the people of France, entrusting all to the prayers and intercession of the Mother of God, especially the firefighters battling the fire.”

.@MarysShrine in DC just announced it will toll 50 times — for 50 Hail Marys of Our Lady's Rosary — at 6 p.m. local time/midnight Paris time to mourn the tragic fire & 'mark the beginning of a new day of hope & resurrection for Notre Dame Cathedral' #PrayforNotreDame pic.twitter.com/uCmOwKHA8Q — Julie Asher (@jlasher) April 15, 2019

Video of the spire collapsing:

U.S. President Donald Trump’s reaction:

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

People in Paris are singing in the streets near the Notre-Dame Cathedral as firefighters continue to try to put out the fire pic.twitter.com/07133ste73 — TicToc by Bloomberg (@tictoc) April 15, 2019

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