On April 15, 2019, a structure fire broke out beneath the roof of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. This has been described as one of the worst cultural disasters in modern history.
By the time it was extinguished, the building’s spire and most of its roof had been destroyed and its upper walls severely damaged. Extensive damage to the interior was prevented by its stone vaulted ceiling, which largely contained the burning roof as it collapsed.
On December 25, 2019, for the first time since the French Revolution, the Notre Dame Cathedral did not host Christmas services.