A massive fire has been raging at Notre-Dame de Paris since 6.50 pm on Monday. Huge flames are engulfing the roof of the building, and the spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral has collapsed.
On social media, a great many internet users are calling for the Civil Protection Service’s aerial resources, which are usually deployed to tackle forest fires. The communications unit of the Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Crisis Management (DGSCGC) has been forced to issue a statement on its social media channels.
""Dropping water from an aeroplane onto this type of building could indeed cause the entire structure to collapse"
"Whether by helicopter or aeroplane, the weight of the water and the intensity of the drop at low altitude could indeed weaken the structure of Notre-Dame and cause collateral damage to surrounding buildings. Dropping water from an aeroplane onto this type of building could indeed cause the entire structure to collapse. Alongside the firefighters who are currently doing their utmost to save".
Furthermore, the Civil Protection Service is providing its full support to the Paris Fire Brigade, which is currently on the scene. "All resources are being deployed, with the exception of the Canadair aircraft, which are technically unsuitable for fighting this type of fire".
#NotreDame @PompiersParis Whether by helicopter or aeroplane, the weight of the water and the intensity of the low-altitude drop could indeed weaken the structure of Notre-Dame and cause collateral damage to the surrounding buildings.
— Civil Protection France (@SecCivileFrance) 15 April 2019