Notre Dame statues removed 4 days before the fire

This is quite in line with renovations happening but has to also be placed alongside other evidence.

People Stunned As 16 Notre-Dame Cathedral Statues Seen Flying Over Paris

Tourists at the world-famous landmark were left stunned on Thursday as the statues -- representing the 12 apostles and the four evangelists from the New Testament -- were lifted off the spire of the cathedral by crane.