In edition19 of our Infinite Beyond Newsletter, we reflected on the tragic events that followed the fire at Notre Dame de Paris on 15th April 2019. Have a read though of our article below.
Notre Dame de Paris, the iconic Gothic cathedral in the heart of Paris and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered a catastrophic fire that day. The blaze, believed to have started beneath the cathedral’s roof eaves, quickly consumed the spire and much of the wooden roof structure. Alarm bells first sounded around 18:30, prompting the suspension of Mass and an initial investigation. No fire was found, but the cathedral was evacuated as a precaution. A second alarm at 18:45 confirmed the presence of fire, which rapidly spread, releasing smoke, lead, and other toxic gases into the Parisian sky.
Despite the swift arrival of over 400 firefighters, the fire had already taken hold. The spire collapsed, crashing through the roof. Due to the building’s fragile construction and priceless contents, firefighters were forced to battle the blaze from within, avoiding aerial or high-pressure methods to minimise further damage. The fire was eventually brought under control nine hours later. Though the roof and spire were lost, much of the cathedral was saved—along with invaluable artworks and religious artefacts, thanks to quick action by emergency personnel and workers.
Just four days later, President Emmanuel Macron announced an ambitious five-year restoration plan, which drew global support and over €840 million in donations by September 2021.
The fire was exacerbated by aging stonework, decaying timber, and the risks posed by ongoing renovation. These factors provided fuel for the fire and made firefighting efforts more difficult. Official investigations are still underway, but authorities have found no evidence of arson. Potential causes under consideration include an electrical fault, a cigarette, or heat from construction work. Due to extensive damage and lost evidence, a definitive cause may never be established.
Though the risk of fire had been previously acknowledged, the speed of its spread was underestimated. Fire services had conducted regular drills at Notre Dame and even stationed a firefighter onsite daily. However, internal procedures and training were reportedly inadequate. A poorly labelled fire alarm system caused a critical delay: the initial guard sent to investigate went to the wrong location. By the time he reached the roof—climbing over 300 steps—the fire had already taken hold.
Notre Dame Cathedral reopened on December 7th, 2024, welcoming visitors for the first time since the 2019 fire. The restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral was a massive undertaking, led by chief architect Philippe Villeneuve, assisted by Rémi Fromont and Pascal Prunet.
Sources: Fiauk.co.uk, notredameparis.fr.en
