Notre Dame Fire:Amid Smoke and Fire flame The Church Altar And Cross Still Intact.

A devastating fire may have gutted Notre Dame in Paris — but amid the smoke and ash, the cathedral’s altar and cross are still intact. The blaze raged for several hours on Monday evening before 400 firefighters managed to bring it under control. However, they were unable to save the spire, which burned to a blackened shell before finally toppling as thousands of Parisians watched in horror from the streets. But the building’s iconic facade and towers were salvaged, as were a host of invaluable artifacts and works of art stored inside. An investigation into what caused the fire has been opened, and French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed that the cathedral will be rebuilt. Photos: Philippe Wojazer / French Interior Ministry / Getty Images