France: Road closures, evacuations amid fire at Notre-Dame (Paris) April 15 /update 2

Event

Authorities responding to a fire at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris have reportedly established a security perimeter encompassing areas surrounding the incident site on Monday evening (local time), April 15. Road closures are in effect for much of the 4th arrondissement and portions of the 5th arrondissement, including bridges and roads adjacent to the cathedral on the Île de la Cité, as more than 400 firefighters have responded to the blaze. Officials indicate there are no immediate reports of injuries.

Officials announced that all residents of Île de la Cité are to be evacuated while they work to fully contain the fire, including tourists staying at affected hotels. City authorities are working with the Convention and Visitors Bureau (office du tourisme) to find alternative lodgings for tourists affected by the evacuation.

Police have also closed the metro stations Cité, Cluny-La Sorbonne, and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame; metro lines 4 and 10, as well as the RER B, are bypassing the aforementioned stations. Continuing transportation disruptions and road closures are to be expected near the site of the fire over the coming hours. 

Context

A fire broke out at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris shortly before 19:00 on April 15. Unconfirmed reports claim the blaze began amid work to repair the cathedral's roof. 

Advice

Individuals in Paris are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the fire, prepare for associated transportation disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities. Further information on closures affecting Paris' public transportation can be found here.