PARIS — Notre Dame Cathedral’s forecourt is being opened to the public for the first time since last year’s fire.

The group overseeing the Gothic structure’s restoration said Sunday the reopening was made possible after several deep clean operations took place to remove toxic lead dust from the large forecourt.

Dozens of tons of lead went up in flames during the fire, sending poisonous lead dust onto the surrounding ground.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will join senior clergy on a visit to the area in the afternoon.

To protect public health, the site will continue to “be regularly cleaned and samples also taken” for monitoring and analysis.

The cathedral is still closed and will be for several years during renovations.