Notre Dame smolders as investigation begins

That photo suggests horrific damage. Whether it was a horrible accident, or deliberate, this is just awful on so many levels. The damage to the structure, its priceless contents, and to the hearts of decent people everywhere, is incalculable.

The renovation may have caused the fire

Ironically, the renovation also saved artifacts, as many artifacts have already been taken out of the Cathedral before the renovation so that they would not be damaged during the renovation

Macron tweeted that reconstruction will begin immediately “in a way consistent with our modern diverse culture.” The tweet was them deleted.

Speculating, I’d suggest the cause is likely connected with the renovations. Following any hot working, builders should reinspect their workspace before closing site. Unfortunately the reinspection often gets overlooked, even on complex sites operating a permit system. As often happens, the accident will probably be a failure to follow fire safety process, rather than there being no fire precautions. Very lucky only one firefighter was hurt.

If the French state gets involved, I would hope the building (if the stonework has indeed survived) could realistically be back in use in 10, certainly less than 20 years. Europes stonemasons are going to be very busy.

With the money pledged from around the world, Notre Dame will open in 5 years , The wooden spire can be rebuilt in a year.

Following any hot working, builders should reinspect their workspace before closing site. 

There is a specialized society that is hired to check the whole site for fire (with heat detectors ?) during one hour after the last worker has left. We don't know yet if they had done it yesterday. No idea if the workers had already left.

the accident 

You know how that's an accident ?

certainly less than 20 years.

They remade Reims' (which was a really old one) in 2 decades after WW1. With technology of now, they can remake this mid- 19th century building in a couple years. Renovating a crowded subway line OTOH that takes decades... Rich sponsors think they are more likely to go to the mass for crowning an emperor than to use public transportation.

The fire started in the early evening so probably not that long after the contractors left site. I’m still thinking hot works failure but we’ll have to wait for the fire officers investigation, if there’s enough evidence left to come to any conclusion.

A full restoration in reasonable time is feasible if money is no object. The materials are certainly available. It will take quite some time to research and replace all that lost fine carved woodwork, if that’s the way they go with the restoration.

A full restoration in reasonable time is feasible if money is no object. The materials are certainly available. It will take quite some time to research and replace all that lost fine carved woodwork, if that’s the way they go with the restoration.

You're right Swiss Toni. You know, someone once said to be that rebuilding a priceless piece of architecture is like making love to beautiful woman. It will take time, but if money is no object, it can be done. And yes, it can be done. We will rebuild Notre Dame.

And Notre Dame will take time, and a whole lot of spending money, to do it right. The late George Harrison said something a bit like this but his words are quite resonant now.