John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

As of about 10 pm Paris time the Cathedral of Notre Dame has collapsed by fire. Hoggers with Notre Dame pictures, treasure them. Whether exterior or interior.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

This is sickening. On my bucket list gone quite possibly for ever. They were working on restoration on the top of the cathedral and the contractors responsible (if it wasn't intentionally lit) destroyed a world heritage structure that was priceless.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

The roof/ceiling partially collapsed. The walls and bell towers are still there. The President of France has vowed to rebuild it.

repleo Loc: Boston

What a heartbreaking tragedy. One of the most wrenching non-lethal disasters I can think of.

Many years ago, I was the Architect for the re-construction of a large Gothic church that was destroyed by fire. Although we had copies of the original construction drawings, there were many details that were not shown. We put out an appeal for photographs of the church and were able to extract a tremendous amount of informtion from the hundreds of pictures of weddings, communions, confirmations etc we received.

I'm sure Notre Dame has been well documented, but don't be surprised if they put out an appeal for photos if they decide to re-build.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

They had already announced plans to rebuild before this was posted, and the super-rich of France have already pledged enough money to get them started. It will happen.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Fortunately, an art historian used a laser device to make a nearly perfect digital map of the cathedral just four years ago.
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/notre-dame-andrew-tallon-laser-scan-trnd/index.html