I -like most of you- are watching from a world away. But if you’re interested in some profession specific things I’d note/be concerned of, you can follow this thread.

A firestop is a passive fire protection system made up of various components and used to seal openings in buildings.

But the roof has basically been surrendered at this point. The peak, the lack of access and fire spread means almost certain loss.
Given the peak of the #cathedral roof and advanced fire conditions, this is an unlikely option in the main area of the building.

And we aren't talking shingles.
This is heavy timber construction. Often 12"x12" in old churches, perhaps bigger in a #Cathedral this old.



Life safety is always the first priority, even in historic landmarks.
#NotreDame was undergoing a renovation. This means that there were more people there than normal.
Is the #Cathedral staff all out?
The construction workers?
Visitors?
I don't have these answers at a distance, but the responders on scene are asking them and forming plans.
The heat that a fire this size is putting off is tremendous. Little options for interrupting that.
The chemical chain reaction is off to the races. That horse left the stable in the first five minutes.
Things that can explode, things that don't like being hit with water, Hazardous materials that can run off / go airborne, etc.
Are the streets in the collapse zone cleared? Of both onlookers and responder/trucks? Any other buildings threatened?
If a wall of fire comes down what the plan to fight THAT fire?

At least for the main part of #NotreDame that has been affected by fire.


Depending on how hoses are placed, current wind conditions, responder access and water supply, damage could be significantly more, or less (- helpful I know...)
I saw their work when I served on a board for the @IAFC & they have as strong, dedicated and skilled responders as you'd find anywhere in the world.
And my thoughts are w/ them all today.



#NotreDame is a beacon of both faith and the human spirit. I wish all on scene a safe evening and comfort in knowing their best effort was applied.
Thanks for following along.

I don’t have a SoundCloud, but I do have friends who are stepping to the line every day to do dangerous work.
If you chose to support @BackStoppers, we would be grateful.
backstoppers.org/donate/
Asked on @fox5dc this am why an air tanker was not used.
This application is an inexact science. More importantly, water is HEAVY. It would be the equivalent of dropping 3 tons of concrete at 150 miles/hr.
Could have killed responders &/or collapsed the church.

