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Why is ‘Eiffel Tower fire’ trending?
This is not the first time a hoax has been linked to the landmark
IMAGES and videos showing the Eiffel Tower engulfed in flames have been circulating on various social media platforms.
Many people have fallen into a state of panic as rumours swirl that the popular landmark is on fire.
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Why is 'Eiffel Tower fire' trending?
The internet has been flooded with reports about the Eiffel Tower being on fire.
On January 21, 2024, rumours emerged on social media that the landmark had allegedly been engulfed in flames.
The claims about the Eiffel Tower on fire gained attention due to the popularity of a TikTok video which has over 2.3 million views and 49.6k likes (as of January 22, 2024).
“The Eiffel Tower caught fire, one of the most emblematic monuments in the world, located in the heart of Paris.
TikTok
"According to the latest information, firefighters have not yet been able to control the fire that occurred yesterday afternoon.”
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However, using AI-generated imagery, the TikTok video created the illusion of a fire on the landmark.
Therefore, it's safe to say these claims are entirely false and the Eiffel Tower remains undamaged.
There is also no report of the fire listed on the police website in Paris.
What have people said about the hoax?
With over seven million visitors a year, it is no surprise that people rushed to social media to react to the rumours.
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One person said: "No, please tell me that everything is fine with the Eiffel Tower, I haven't visited it yet and that's my dream."
"Nooo that can't be happening," another wrote.
A third penned: "It was my dream to go there."
A fourth commented: "Did not see this happening in 2024."
However, some people didn't fall so easily for the hoax, with one writing: "Can it look more simulated?"
"It's not real chill," said another.
A third echoed: "Come on people, how can you not tell this isn't real"
What other hoaxes have there been about the Eiffel Tower?
The so-called 'Iron Lady' regularly receives calls concerning security – many of which turn out to be hoaxes.
In August 2023, a criminal investigation was launched after false bomb reports caused Paris' Eiffel Tower to be evacuated twice.
The landmark was evacuated for around two and a half hours on Saturday afternoon (August 12) after a bomb alert.
The roughly 4,000 visitors who had been evacuated were allowed back by mid-afternoon after the tower had been searched.
However, a second evacuation took place in the evening after another alert.
French media reported that both bomb threats were posted online.
In both cases bomb disposal experts were called, but sniffer dogs established that there were no explosives present in the tower.
Another hoax is that the Eiffel Tower lights were turned off after the deadly 2021 attacks to honour the victims.
However, the lights on the Eiffel Tower go off every night at 1 am.
The hoax was so convincing that even a news organization retweeted it - again, despite it being completely false.
Is the Eiffel Tower open?
Yes, the Eiffel Towe is open.
It is open every day from 9.30 am - 10.45 pm.
The busiest period is between the end of June and the beginning of September.
In certain periods, attendance may be higher due to school holidays in Europe.
During these periods, the lines may be longer (at the garden entrances, cash registers and elevators).
Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days of the week.
Is the Eiffel Tower safe?
The Eiffel Tower has implemented a strict security system and checks.
All visitors must undergo two security check steps, whether they bought their tickets in advance or want to buy them on-site.
The first occurs at the entrance to the site and the second before entering the pillar to take the elevator or stairs.
Please carefully consider the contents in your bags and make sure to avoid bringing any items which could be considered a weapon.
In 2018, the landmark was fitted with bulletproof glass, to protect the Paris site and visitors from potential terrorist attacks.
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Bernard Gaudillere, former president of the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, at the time that SETE "decided to build a new perimeter around the Eiffel Tower to increase the security".
This decision was made due to the square being easily accessible to everyone.
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