spreading north and south along the timber roof. it then travelled along the eastern section and the other way too, towards the towers. then the 19th century spire itself collapsed. but, incredibly, they not only saved the building but also numerous priceless artefacts from inside the cathedral. our first report is from our paris correspondent, lucy williamson. words were hard to find last night to describe this loss, to absorb this scene. what burned with notre dame, high above the paris skyline, was 800 years of history. for some, the physical anchor of paris, the cultural soul of france. it took 23 minutes to confirm the fire alert and send emergency crews to the scene. the fire was spreading quickly, oak rafters that had held the roof