chicago church fire: Your request is being processed... Fire burns through roof of iconic Chicago church

CHICAGO — A fire burned for more than two hours Wednesday at Holy Name Cathedral, severely damaging the attic and leaving gaping holes in the roof of the 134-year-old landmark and seat of Cardinal Francis George.

Firefighters battled the blaze in frigid temperatures at the iconic church, which had been destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire and rebuilt.

"First we have to thank God no one was injured," George said after surveying the damage inside the church. "Chicago has always bounced back from fires."



Flames shot through Holy Name's roof for about an hour before being replaced by plumes of white smoke. The fire was out around 8 a.m. Afterward, icicles hung from pews and water dripped from light fixtures, George said.

While no injuries were reported from the blaze, a firefighter suffered a minor back sprain after slipping and falling.

There was no smoke or fire damage in the sanctuary, fire department spokesman Larry Langford said. The cause is under investigation.

Holy Name's pastor, the Rev. Daniel Mayall, said the fire set off the sprinkler system, which kept the flames from extensive wood paneling and ornate decorations.

But Chicago Archdiocese Chancellor Jimmy Lago described the water damage to the church as "humongous," and said crews were pumping water from the basement.


Source: huffingtonpost.com