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Fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. © Pierre Galey / AFP

An impressive fire is underway, Monday, April 5 at the end of the day, in the emblematic cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, " potentially linked " to the renovation of the building, said firefighters.

The fire, whose gravity still remained to be determined, took in the attic of the cathedral, the most visited historical monument in Europe, said firefighters. According to the spokesman of Notre-Dame, the fire would have declared itself around 18H50, Paris time.

Huge flames devour part of the roof, a large cloud of gray smoke escapes the building, located in the center of the French capital, on the Ile de la Cité. Important means of intervention are mobilized.

The mayor of Paris asked to stay away from Notre-Dame de Paris and asked to evacuate the area to let the help for them to intervene.

This fire occurs on the first day of Holy Week celebrations leading to Easter, the main Christian holiday. About 13 million tourists visit the building each year.

(More information to come)