The world watched on Monday evening, as France’s most famous landmark was engulfed in flames. The fire began 18:30 local time, which destroyed the iconic stained-glass windows and wooden interior before the roof and spire collapsed despite the best efforts by the Parisian fire service.
Fortunately, the 500 firefighters were able to prevent one of the bell towers from failing. Jean-Claude Gallet the fire chief told reporters, more than four hours after the fire had started, the main stone structure had been “saved and preserved”.
Norte-Dame, which is 850-years-old, is one of Paris’s main tourist destinations with 13 million visitors each year, more than the Eiffel Tower.
It is believed that most of the priceless artwork which had been stored inside Norte-Dame had been saved.
A prosecution team had been set up to find the source of the fire. Recently Norte-Dame had been under major restoration work. The Paris prosecutor’s office believe that there may be a link between the ongoing restoration works and how the fire started.
The French president, Emmanuel Macron had been present whilst the Parisian fire service were fighting the flames. He described the events as a “terrible tragedy” but added after the fire services best efforts that the “the worst had been avoided.”
Since the blaze, Mr Marcon vowed to create international fundraising to repair and rebuild the 850-year-old landmark.
On Tuesday morning, it was reported (per Le Figaro) that French Billionaire, François-Henri Pinault has donated 100 million euros towards the rebuilding of Norte-Dame.
Luxury group LVMH who is owned by the Arnault family have donated 200 million euros to aid with the rebuild.
The latest donation total being reported (per the BBC), over 600 millions euros has been donated.
It is expected that the cost of the rebuilding could run into the billions.
Norte-Dame maintenance costs over the years have gone up two-fold, the French government has had to seek financial aid from the private sector for its financial upkeep.
