Latest information, filtered through the media, attribute the probable origin of the fire to one of the lifts,used by the workmen, gone in short-circuit. If this will be confirmed we will be definitely assured on the accidental origin of the fire letting all doubts and fears of deliberate acts of terrorism fall.
Nevertheless a sensation of defeat and (why not?) misfortune does not give way. If only the computerised alarm system had properly worked
the disaster could have been of minor entity. I understand that experts Restorers/Architects of international fame ,in different fields and from various Countries, have made themselves available to cooperate with French Authorities. I am of the advise that,under this circumstance, an international cooperation would greatly help and UNESCO should take this in charge. Of course the leading role would be taken by the French Architects and experts who will also give the orientation and have the last word in the Project.
Since I live in Italy please allow a little digression to mention a few (of the many) important works accomplished by Italian Restorers/ Architects :
-The Guarini Chapelle (1680),in Baroc Style, connected to Turin's Cathedral which had kept the Holy Shroud untill the year 1993,
was subject to restoration works after this date: while these works were in progress on April 12, 1993 a violent fire, caused by
a short-circuit from the scaffolding in use, nearly destroyed it. It was rebuilt using,along with other building materials, also pieces
of the original architecture,treated and reshaped one by one and set in their original places.
-the 'Fenice' theatre in Venice (inagurated 1792): it was, through the years, subjected to various remodellings and restorations
and even to a fire in 1836. On January 29,1996 it was destroyed by a fraudolent arson. Debris of stones and of the wooden inner structures were recovered and afterwards reemployed in rebuilding. The theatre reopened in December 2003.