President Donald Trump on Monday encouraged France to use “flying water tankers” to put out a raging fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as firefighters rushed to save one of the country’s most visited landmarks and local officials called for those nearby to evacuate the scene.
Read: Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral is on fire
“So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,” the president wrote. “Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!”
It was not immediately clear what caused the fire at the 12th century building that attracts more than 13 million visitors each year and is home to a number of the country’s artistic masterpieces. The cathedral was being renovated at the time it caught fire. Parts of the church’s historic spire are reported to have collapsed.
France made plans to convert six aircraft into air tankers last year, according to the industry website Fire Aviation. Each of the planes can carry 2,600 gallons of water.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
