French authorities slam Donald Trump's suggestion on how to save Notre Dame

United States President Donald Trump's suggestion for how French authorities could save the Notre Dame cathedral from fires has been quickly dismissed.

On Tuesday morning (local time), a monstrous blaze broke out in the iconic Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, devastating two-thirds of the roof and a spire.

While international leaders sent their thoughts to the Parisian people and spoke of memories they had in the church, Trump proposed how authorities could fight the flames.

"So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!" he tweeted as more than 400 fire fighters battled the fire.

But soon after the President's suggestion, the French civil defence agency tweeted that dropping water from a helicopter or airplane could significantly damage the cathedral.


"Helicopter or airplane, the weight of the water and the intensity of the drop at low altitude could indeed weaken the structure of the Notre Dame and result in collateral damage to the buildings in the vicinity."

It again later tweeted in English that every effort was being made to save the church "except for water-bombing aircrafts".

Others on social media users questioned why Trump felt it necessary to give advice.

"Oh I'm sure Emmanuel Macron will just be thrilled to death with your butting in with totally useless advice," said one user, while another said: "Stick to tweeting about golf. You have no clue about anything else."

The main structure was later declared as safe, with French President Emmanuel Macron thanking the emergency services for their work.


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