Holy Name Cathedral Ablaze in Chicago

Authorities in Chicago say there's no word yet on what caused the fire that broke out at the landmark Holy Name Cathedral early this morning.

Firefighters are still battling the blaze on a brutally cold morning with temperatures barely in the single digits. Smoke continues to stream from the church's roof.

Father Dan Mayall is Holy Name's pastor and lives in the rectory that was evacuated when the fire was discovered. Mayall says the inside of the church has significant water damage.

He says the fire was reported by a worker who's part of a crew working to reinforce supports in the historic building.

Fire Commissioner John Brooks says the church's sprinkler system is actually below where the fire started. He says it isn't clear what started the fire.

The original Holy Name was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire and the parish rebuilt, opening the new cathedral in 1875.



Source: wifr.com