The firefighters of the Minoa Fire Department join the world to congratulate and praise the firefighters of Paris who heroically fought the 2019 blaze of Notre Dame Cathedral, saving it from destruction. The Cathedral is deeply entwined with the identity of Paris, of France, and of Western civilization. It was the site of the coronation of Napoleon, the canonization of Joan of Arc, and the funeral of Charles de Gaulle. During World War II it was a symbol of French liberation. 

The firefighters of Paris responded quickly to the reported blaze. They arrived within minutes to assess and combat the rapidly spreading flames. Over 400 firefighters risked their lives to combat the intense heat, collapsing debris, and toxic fumes. One firefighter was seriously injured during the mission.

The fire began in the attic beneath the cathedral’s wooden roof (nicknamed “the forest” for its medieval oak beams), spread quickly due to the dry, flammable wood. Firefighters prioritized containing the blaze to prevent it from consuming the entire structure. They then focused on saving the twin bell towers, which were critical to preventing the collapse of the entire building. By halting the fire’s advance toward the towers, they preserved the cathedral’s iconic silhouette.

Firefighters used a careful strategy to douse the flames without causing additional damage. They avoided using high-pressure water cannons that could have jeopardized the fragile stone structure. Their efforts helped to protect the cathedral’s famed stained glass Rose Windows, which date back to the 13th century. Although some windows were damaged by the heat, they were not destroyed. Notre Dame housed many relics and invaluable artworks. A human chain of firefighters, clergy, and volunteers helped rescue priceless artifacts. 

The firefighting operation lasted over 15 hours, with firefighters working through the night to extinguish the fire completely. Their perseverance prevented a total loss of the structure. Thanks to the courage and skill of the firefighters, Notre Dame’s main structure, including the façade, towers, and much of the interior, was preserved. Their actions allowed for the ongoing restoration efforts to rebuild and restore this cultural and spiritual treasure.

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