Time-lapse shots of Notre-Dame spire may provide clues on fire
paris — A time lapse camera installed just hours before Monday’s devastating blaze at Notre-Dame de Paris may contain vital clues as to what caused the inferno, a French scaffolding company working at the cathedral said on Thursday.
Europe Echafaudage was one of five companies contracted to restore Notre-Dame’s spire. The 90-metre collapsed in the blaze, crashing through the cathedral’s vaulted ceiling.
Footage from the camera, which was placed on the northern belltower and is now in the hands of investigators, shows the first smoke coming out of the spire’s base, Marc Eskenazi, a representative for Europe Echafaudage said.
“Shots were taken every 10 minutes starting from Monday at
2pm,” Eskenazi said. “Smoke can be seen on these images. It starts on the south side” he said.
So far the authorities have said the fire appears accidental, although they have not ruled out arson. Police sources say an electrical fault is one possibility.
Investigators have been able to access some areas of Notre-Dame, including its two bell towers, though parts of the historic nave remained too dangerous to enter more than 72 hours after the fire.
The damage to one of France’s best loved monuments prompted an outpouring of national sorrow and urgent calls for the authorities to find out what caused the fire.
Scaffolding specialist Europe Echafaudage had almost finished erecting the scaffolding around the spire, 14 months after starting. The company’s 12-strong team was the only one working on site on the day of the blaze.
Europe Echafaudage, and a second company involved in the project, Pro Tech Foudre, have said they followed strict safety procedures.
Pro Tech Foudre, which was to start work removing the lightning rod that ran down from the spire’s top, described Europe Echafaudage as a reputable company with a strong safety record and experience working on prestigious sites.