Former firefighter lays out the distressing best case scenario for Notre Dame
Even the best possible outcome of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire will be utterly devastating.
Firefighters are currently responding to a raging fire at the iconic church, and former St. Louis firefighter Gregg Favre on Twitter observed that based on his experience, the best case scenario for the main part of the cathedral may look something like the damage caused by the 2016 fire at New York's Cathedral of St. Sava. Favre notes that a variety of factors, including wind conditions and responder access, could result in more or less damage, though.
Favre also explained that a variety of issues make fighting the fire difficult, including that it's "nearly impossible" to control ventilation in churches. Since the cathedral was undergoing renovations, he also expressed concern over construction materials that can explode and warned that the cathedral's walls could collapse if they're weakened by the fire.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Another issue, according to a spokesperson for the Paris mayor's office, is that firefighters are "having a lot of trouble getting at the fire because of all the construction," The Daily Beast reports. The Associated Press reports firefighters are currently fighting it both inside and outside of the cathedral, and a Notre Dame spokesperson previously said the entire frame is burning.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Who actually needs life insurance?
The Explainer If you have kids or are worried about passing on debt, the added security may be worth it
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Sexual wellness trends to know, from products and therapies to retreats and hotels
The Week Recommends Talking about pleasure and sexual health is becoming less taboo
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Is the AI bubble deflating?
Today's Big Question Growing skepticism and high costs prompt reconsideration
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Puffed rice and yoga: inside the collapsed tunnel where Indian workers await rescue
Speed Read Workers trapped in collapsed tunnel are suffering from dysentery and anxiety over their rescue
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
More than 2,000 dead following massive earthquake in Morocco
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mexico's next president will almost certainly be its 1st female president
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
North Korea's Kim to visit Putin in eastern Russia to discuss arms sales for Ukraine war, U.S. says
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Gabon's military leader sworn in following coup in latest African uprising
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published