Experts say that Notre Dame Cathedral can NOT be rebuilt the way it was because France no longer has big enough trees
The 12-hour fire that burned through Notre Dame cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage landmark yesterday left the building without a roof.
Bertrand de Feydeau, vice president of preservation group Fondation du Patrimoine, believes the cathedral's 850-year-old wooden roof will not be the same as it was, because France no longer has trees that are big enough in their country today as they did in the 12th and 13th century. The original roof was made up of around 1,300 French oak trees (52 acres) that have been growing since 7th or 8th centuries. The large trees have been cut down a long time ago... leaving only small trees in the forest to pollinate and spread.
Experts believe that the structure's old and dry wood and lack of fire-protection led to the fire getting as far as it did. Luckily, the crown of thorns which was believed to be worn by Jesus on the cross, King Louis IX tunic, and Blessed Sacrament was saved.
Photo: Notre-Dame Cathedral is illuminated at twilight following a major fire yesterday on April 16, 2019 in Paris, France. A fire broke out on Monday afternoon and quickly spread across the building, causing the famous spire to collapse. The cause is unknown but officials have said it was possibly linked to ongoing renovation work. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)