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Eiffel Tower fire sends tourists fleeing

PARIS, July 22 (UPI) -- An electrical fire Tuesday sent tourists scrambling from the Eiffel Tower in what's believed the first blaze since the famous structure opened in 1889.

CNN reports black smoke was seen billowing from the top of the 1,000-foot tower as more than 30 fire trucks raced to the scene.

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Officials said all tourists on the tower were evacuated safely. Witnesses told CNN the fire started in a "technical room" on a top floor, apparently from an electrical problem.

About 6 million people visit the tower annually. It's the best-known monument in Europe.

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