But the interior is gutted
As shocked Parisians watched helplessly, fire destroyed the roof and wooden interior of the Notre Dame Cathedral, but firefighters say the structure, towers, and priceless artwork survived. Sixteen copper statues of the Apostles that normally occupy the roof peak were removed for cleaning before the fire.
The Paris prosecutor’s office promised an investigation, but the building — parts of which date from 1157 A.D. — was under renovation, and the fire likely was accidental. French President Macron said, “We will rebuild together.”
Paris is full of tourists ahead of Holy Week, and 30,000 tourists visit the cathedral on a typical day. A mass was being celebrated when the fire broke out, but everyone got out safely, and the only casualty was a seriously injured firefighter.