France to pay tribute to firefighters who saved Notre Dame Cathedral from blaze

It's a day of tribute to the Paris firefighters who saved Notre Dame Cathedral from collapse and rescued its treasures from encroaching flames. French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting them for a special gathering on Thursday.

Later, Paris City Hall will hold a ceremony in the firefighters' honour, with a concert, two giant banners and readings from Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." More than 400 firefighters took part in the nine-hour battle to save the 12th-century Notre Dame on Monday. Among those being honoured, Thursday is Paris fire brigade chaplain Jean-Marc Fournier, who helped salvage the crown of thorns believed to have been worn by Jesus. Investigators so far believe the fire was accidental, and are questioning both cathedral staff and workers who were carrying out renovations when the fire broke out.