French officials reject Trump suggestion to use ‘flying water tankers’ on Notre Dame fire

French officials on Monday rejected President Trump’s suggestion that flying water tankers be used against the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, saying this would cause the historic structure to collapse.

{mosads}The official Twitter account for France’s Sécurité Civile, the civil defense and crisis management agency, responded to Trump’s recommendation. 

“Hundreds of firemen of the Paris Fire Brigade are doing everything they can to bring the terrible #NotreDame fire under control,” the account wrote in a rare English-language tweet. “All means being used, except for water-bombing aircrafts which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral.”

Hundreds of firemen of the Paris Fire Brigade are doing everything they can to bring the terrible #NotreDame fire under control. All means are being used, except for water-bombing aircrafts which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral.

— Sécurité Civile Fr (@SecCivileFrance) April 15, 2019

Authorities elaborated in additional tweets, writing in French that aircraft water drops would be “unsuitable” for extinguishing the type of fire raging in the Parisian landmark.

“Helicopter or airplane, the weight of the water and the intensity of the drop at low altitude could indeed weaken the structure of Notre-Dame and cause collateral damage to the surrounding buildings,” the agency wrote.

Trump weighed in on the massive fire on social media earlier in the day, writing that it was “horrible” to see the Notre Dame Cathedral in flames.

“Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!” Trump wrote.

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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019

Fire officials said late Monday that the cathedral was saved from “total destruction” after a massive fire broke out, engulfing much of the building and destroying its iconic spire and stained-glass windows.

The fire spread to the two iconic rectangular towers but was later contained.

It is unclear how much art in the building was saved. A top official confirmed only that most precious art had been safeguarded from the flames.