French billionaires and major companies have pledged to donate at least 600 million euros to help reconstruct the Notre Dame Cathedral after a catastrophic fire tore through the historic structure, collapsing its spire, and causing significant damage.



Their donations came as Paris firefighters declared Tuesday morning that the fire had been fully extinguished.

"A group of experts are analyzing all of the structures to establish the next stages," Paris fire brigade spokesperson Gabriel Plus told reporters.

François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of the international luxury group Kering, which includes Gucci and Saint Laurent, said Monday night that he and his family will donate 100 million euros to the cathedral's reconstruction.



In a statement posted on Twitter, Pinault, who is also president of holding company Groupe Artémis, which owns the fine arts auction house Christie's, wrote: "My father [François Pinault] and I have decided to release as of now from the funds of Artemis a sum of 100 million euros to participate in the effort that will be necessary for the complete reconstruction of Notre Dame."

His donation was doubled Tuesday morning by Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of luxury goods group LVMH, whose brands include Moët & Chandon and Dior.

"In the wake of this national tragedy, the Arnault family and the LVMH Group pledge their support for #NotreDame. They will donate a total of 200 million euros to the fund for reconstruction of this architectural work, which is an integral part of the history of France," read a statement posted on the LVMH Twitter account.

French cosmetics company L’Oreal, as well as its principal shareholder, the Bettencourt Meyers family and their charitable foundation, also pledged a combined 200 million euros.