Top floor of Paris' landmark Ritz hotel catches fire

Paris: Fire engulfed the top floor of Paris’ Ritz Carlton hotel on Tuesday, burning out of control for hours in one of the city’s most storied plazas.

The fire began early in the day at the posh hotel where Princess Diana spent her final hours before the car crash that took her life. The hotel has been closed for renovations for three years and was expected to re-open in March, restored to the grandeur that drew the likes of Frederic Chopin, Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway.

Paris police say there are no known victims. Fire trucks and police blocked of the Place Vendome at the height of the morning rush, and firefighters on cranes sprayed the blaze to try to bring it under control.

Place Vendome is also home to numerous high-end jewelry stores and boutiques, as well as France’s Justice Ministry.

Fire Capt. Yvon Bot said the fire, which began in the roof, was unusually difficult to access and control.

AP