Over the span of three centuries, enduring two World Wars and countless escapades involving Carmen Sandiego, the Eiffel Tower has steadfastly stood as a symbol of French culture and a backdrop for iconic scenes in Roger Moore’s James Bond movies.
However, in the year 2024, an alarming image flooded social media – the Eiffel Tower seemingly engulfed in flames, silhouetted against a thick wall of smoke. The visual impact was striking, given that the iconic structure is constructed from wrought iron, which typically does not catch fire until reaching temperatures around 1300 °C. Adding to the intrigue, there was an apparent lack of news coverage on the incident, considering the global significance of such an event. Skepticism arose, questioning the authenticity of the imagery. Yet, the closure of the Eiffel Tower’s top in early 2024 seemed to add a layer of credibility to the situation. After all, why close a landmark if nothing significant had occurred? As the saying goes, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
Let’s dispel the rumors. Firstly, Paris recently implemented a stringent public smoking ban, minimizing the chances of actual smoke. Secondly, the facts don’t lie, and the Eiffel Tower did not succumb to flames, despite what your uncle’s wife’s Facebook page might suggest or the efforts of fictional terrorists from the early scenes of Superman II.
The widely circulated photo on social media has been debunked, evident from the stark absence of official statements from the French government or any fundraising initiatives for restoration – unlike the swift response witnessed when Notre Dame Cathedral faced a real fire a few years ago. Anyone skeptical of these claims is invited to check out a live stream of the Eiffel Tower, where it continues to stand tall, untouched by fire, just as it has for over 130 years.
As for the closure, it’s routine maintenance. The top of the Eiffel Tower is scheduled to be closed between January 8 and February 9, 2024, for renovation and maintenance work, as per the official announcement on the Tower’s website. This iconic structure, exposed to the elements and adorned with hanging elevators, requires periodic care to ensure it stands strong.
Fortunately for visitors, the first and second-floor balconies of the Tower remain open and exceptionally unburned. To add to the delight, the first floor offers a menu featuring delectable treats, including waffles, regrettably not named “The Waffle Tower,” leaving the possibility of them being burnt entirely unguaranteed.
