PHOTOS: Massive fire breaks out at the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris; firefighters tackle blaze

Hidalgo tweeted: “A terrible fire is underway at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The fire brigade are trying to control the fire. We are mobilized locally in close connection with church authorities. I ask everyone to respect the security perimeter.”

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalsgo described the incident as a “terrible fire”. Image: Twitter (@ksj_mm)

The Cathedral is the most visited historic monument in Europe. Image: Twitter (@PMinicon)

Images and videos of the massive fire flooded the social media. They showed flames and thick plumes of smoke billowing near its spire. (Photo by FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP)

As per the fire service, the fire could be potentially involving renovation works being carried out at the site. . (Photo by FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP)

A massive blaze has erupted at the historic Notre-Dame Cathderal in central Paris on Monday afternoon. (Photo by FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP)