What caused the notre dame fire everything we know so far about the paris cathedral blaze
The devastating fire that engulfed the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019, has been the subject of intense investigation and speculation. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, here's everything we know so far:
Initial Reports:
- The fire was first reported at 6:20 PM local time on April 15, 2019.
- The Paris Fire Brigade (SPF) received the first alert and responded quickly, with over 400 firefighters and 18 fire trucks deployed to the scene.
- The fire was initially thought to be a small blaze, but it quickly spread and engulfed the cathedral's wooden structure.
Investigation:
- The French authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, led by the Paris Prosecutor's Office and the French National Police.
- The investigation is ongoing, and several theories have been proposed, but no official cause has been confirmed.
- The investigation has focused on several areas, including:
- Electrical issues: The fire may have been caused by an electrical short-circuit or malfunction.
- Human error: Negligence or intentional acts by individuals may have contributed to the fire.
- Renovation work: The cathedral was undergoing a major renovation project, which may have created a risk of fire.
Theories and Speculation:
- Some experts have suggested that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short-circuit, possibly due to the use of old or faulty wiring.
- Others have pointed to the renovation work, which involved the removal of old wooden beams and the installation of new electrical systems.
- Some have speculated that the fire may have been caused by arson, but there is currently no evidence to support this theory.
- The French authorities have also considered the possibility of an accident or a technical malfunction, such as a gas leak or a faulty generator.
Key Findings:
- The investigation has revealed that the fire started in the cathedral's attic, specifically in the area where the renovation work was taking place.
- The fire spread quickly due to the cathedral's wooden structure and the strong winds that were blowing at the time.
- The fire was brought under control after several hours, but not before significant damage was done to the cathedral's roof, spire, and interior.
Current Status:
- The investigation is ongoing, and the French authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the fire.
- The cathedral is currently undergoing repairs and restoration work, with a goal of reopening it to the public in 2024.
- The French government has pledged to rebuild the cathedral, with a budget of €500 million (approximately $550 million).
While the exact cause of the Notre Dame fire remains unknown, the investigation is ongoing, and the French authorities are working to determine the facts and prevent similar incidents in the future.