Thread by @CBCAlerts

Paris firefighters say there is a fire underway at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. More to come.

Hundreds of images posted on social media, like this one from Eric Coursin, are showing flames engulfing the famed medieval cathedral in Paris. Emergency officials are clearing everyone from the area.

Smoke can be seen billowing out of the top of the medieval Notre Dame Cathedral, the most visited historic monument in Europe. The Paris fire department says a major operation is underway. Photos: Pierre Galey/AFP/Getty Images.

More @CBCNews on the fire at Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral. cbc.ca/1.5098604

French President Emmanuel Macron has cancelled his planned address to the nation on the Yellow Vest protests due to the 'terrible fire' at Notre Dame Cathedral, Reuters reports.

The peak of the Notre Dame Cathedral was undergoing a 6-million-euro (approximately $9 million Cdn) renovation project. French media quoted the Paris fire brigade saying the fire is 'potentially linked' to the renovation work.

Part of the spire of Paris's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has collapsed amid a raging fire. Meanwhile, France's President Emmanuel Macron has tweeted about the blaze: 'I am sad tonight to see this part of all of us burn.'

Notre Dame spokesman Andre Finot tells French media the entire wooden interior of the 12th-century landmark is burning and likely to be destroyed: 'Nothing will remain from the frame.'

The Associated Press is reporting Paris emergency services are now trying to salvage the artwork stored in Notre Dame Cathedral from the blaze.

Paris prosecutors have opened an investigation into the Notre Dame fire, The Associated Press reports.

From The Associated Press: The massive Notre Dame fire has spread to one of the cathedral's iconic rectangular towers.

The Associated Press reports French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived at Notre Dame.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweets: 'Absolutely heartbreaking to see the Notre-Dame Cathedral in flames. Canadians are thinking of our friends in France as you fight this devastating fire.' More on the Notre Dame fire @CBCNews: cbc.ca/1.5098604

A spokesman for the Paris fire department says the next hour and a half is
'crucial' in order to see if the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral can be contained: Reuters.

Statement from the Vatican reads, in part: 'The Holy See has seen with shock and sadness the news of the terrible fire that has devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame, symbol of Christianity in France and in the world.' The statement says the Vatican is praying for firefighters.

A French Interior Ministry official says firefighters might not be able to save Notre Dame Cathedral. More @CBCNews on the fire engulfing the Paris landmark: cbc.ca/1.5098604

A firefighter at the scene of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire tells Reuters all efforts are now being directed to saving the artwork at the back of the cathedral and preventing the collapse of the building's north tower.

Paris mayor: Those living close to Notre Dame have been evacuated in case of a possible collapse of the cathedral.