Nations across the globe expressed solidarity with France after the fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral, which collapsed the spire and burned through the roof of the 12th-century building.
The tragic disaster sparked an outpouring of grief and reminiscing of visits to the Parisian landmark, but it also prompted fears as to safety precautions in place in local historic churches. The fire watch is a person hired to monitor the renovations and be on hand with a water hose in case a fire starts.
It's an FDNY requirement for big jobs in New York, according to former Fire Commissioner Tom Von Essen.
"My guess is that didn't happen there," he said. "A solid lead roof that keeps the water out also doesn't let the water in from all the hoses they were shooting at it, so it had to be put out from inside. They weren't able to put that fire out until the ceiling collapsed, and it dropped down into the base of the cathedral."