Notre Dame Cathedral gone, as is France

WILL PROBABLY NEVER BE REBUILT, MUSLIMS HAVE OTHER IDEAS

A massive fire broke out at Notre Dame Cathedral in central Paris on Monday afternoon, sending flames shooting out of the roof of the iconic landmark.

Fire officials told Agence France-Press that the fire was potentially linked to the renovation of the building and is believed to have started in the attic.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

“A terrible fire is underway at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris,” Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted. “The @PompiersParis are trying to control the flames. We are mobilized on the spot in close connection with the @dioceseParis. I invite everyone to respect the security perimeter.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was set to deliver a speech on Monday night, postponed the address in light of the fire.

“Notre-Dame de Paris in flames,” Macron tweeted. “Emotion of a whole nation. Thought for all Catholics and for all French. Like all our compatriots, I am sad tonight to see this part of us burn.”

Smoke and flames rise during a fire at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris on Monday. (Photo: Pierre Galey/AFP/Getty Images)

Hundreds of people gathered in the streets below in horror to watch the blaze, some in tears, others simply shouting its name.

A CNN International correspondent said that blowing cinders were falling on their heads.

Dramatic images posted to social media showed the roof of the medieval cathedral engulfed in flames, and its spire collapsing into the church.