Notre Dame cathedral fire in photos

Large sections of the French Notre Dame cathedral have been destroyed in a massive blaze.

While authorities are not yet sure of what caused the fire, there are concerns the structure could be entirely devastated by the flames which have caused the collapse of the roof and spire.

As the fire blazes into its fourth hour, incredible, saddening images are emerging of the iconic landmark.

Initial images showed the fire near the top of the building, with local media reporting that it began in an attic which is currently under renovations.

Smoke billows from Notre Dame Cathedral after a fire broke out, in Paris, France April 15, 2019. REUTERS/Charles Platiau - RC175685B680
Photo credit: Reuters
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 15, 2019: Notre-Dame de Paris, a Catholic cathedral founded in the 11th century, has caught fire. Best quality available. Stoyan Vassev/TASS (Photo by Stoyan Vassev\TASS via Getty Images)
Photo credit: Getty
Smokes and flames rise during a fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris, France, on April 15, 2019.- A fire broke out at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris, potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site, the fire service said. (Photo by Nicolas Liponne/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Photo credit: Getty

But it quickly engulfed a large section of the gothic building, with major parts of the roof as well as its spire collapsing.

Smokes and flames rise during a fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris, France, on April 15, 2019.- A fire broke out at the landmark Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris, potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site, the fire service said. (Photo by Nicolas Liponne/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Photo credit: Getty
Smoke billows as fire engulfs the spire of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France April 15, 2019. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier - RC1AC7F22C50
Photo credit: Reuters
Smoke billows as fire engulfs the spire of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France April 15, 2019. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier - RC14569C2380
Photo credit: Reuters
Notre Dame cathedral fire in photos
Photo credit: Twitter / Paris Match / Screenshot

Despite up to 400 firefighters battling the blaze, they are making little ground as the sun goes down.

The most recent images show a massive orange glow in the centre of the structure

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 15: Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof at Notre-Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019 in Paris, France. A fire broke out on Monday afternoon and quickly spread across the building, collapsing the spire. The cause is yet unknown but officials said it was possibly linked to ongoing renovation work. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Photo credit: Getty
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 15: Flames and smoke are seen billowing from the roof at Notre-Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019 in Paris, France. A fire broke out on Monday afternoon and quickly spread across the building, collapsing the spire. The cause is yet unknown but officials said it was possibly linked to ongoing renovation work. (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)
Photo credit: Getty
People watch as fire fighters douse flames of the burning Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France April 15, 2019. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier - RC152F319D50
Photo credit: Reuters

Large crowds have also gathered outside the cathedral, but emergency services as well as the city's mayor have called on people to be careful and aware of smoke inhalation.

Many in the teary crowd have begun singing hymn

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 15:  People watch as flames and smoke are seen billowing from Notre-Dame Cathedral April 15, 2019 in Paris, France. A fire broke out on Monday afternoon and quickly spread across the building, collapsing the spire. The cause is yet unknown but officials said it was possibly linked to ongoing renovation work. (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images)
Photo credit: Getty

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