well this is depressing
One of my brothers works one building away, for the archdiocese.
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/holy.name.fire.2.926335.html
Fire Severely Damages Holy Name Cathedral
Cardinal George: Major Water Damage Inside; Roof Will Have To Be Rebuilt
CHICAGO (CBS) ― An extra-alarm fire this morning at the historic Holy Name Cathedral caused major damage to the roof and sanctuary.
The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. at the cathedral at 735 N. State St., which just reopened in November after a series of renovations. The cathedral is a city landmark and the seat of the Chicago Archdiocese.
Flames shot throught the roof around the middle portion of the church sanctuary. The fire was burning right above the area with the altar, where past cardinals' hats and other artifacts are kept.
Speaking in front of the cathedral, Cardinal George said the fire damaged the roof to the point where it will probably have to be rebuilt. The sanctuary still has gas and electrical power, but "there's water coming through the light fixtures - lots of it."
"I'm just grateful to God that the damage isn't worse than it was," George said.
Holy Name's pastor, the Rev. Daniel Mayall said the fire set off the sprinkler system, which kept the flames from the wood paneling and ornate decorations in the church.
The flames were seen in three locations. Firefighters tried to battle the blaze without obliterating any historic structures.
The rectory of the church was evacuated. Firefighters conducted a search after reports that as many as 10 people were inside.
Everyone escaped from the building safely and no one was injured, officials said.
Fifty-seven fire department companies were on the scene and 187 firefighters, fire officals said. One firefighter was injured fighting the blaze and hospitalized in fair condition.
A worker discovered the fire, which appeared to have been burning for a while, said Chicago Fire Commissioner John W. Brooks.
etc etc
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/holy.name.fire.2.926335.html
Fire Severely Damages Holy Name Cathedral
Cardinal George: Major Water Damage Inside; Roof Will Have To Be Rebuilt
CHICAGO (CBS) ― An extra-alarm fire this morning at the historic Holy Name Cathedral caused major damage to the roof and sanctuary.
The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. at the cathedral at 735 N. State St., which just reopened in November after a series of renovations. The cathedral is a city landmark and the seat of the Chicago Archdiocese.
Flames shot throught the roof around the middle portion of the church sanctuary. The fire was burning right above the area with the altar, where past cardinals' hats and other artifacts are kept.
Speaking in front of the cathedral, Cardinal George said the fire damaged the roof to the point where it will probably have to be rebuilt. The sanctuary still has gas and electrical power, but "there's water coming through the light fixtures - lots of it."
"I'm just grateful to God that the damage isn't worse than it was," George said.
Holy Name's pastor, the Rev. Daniel Mayall said the fire set off the sprinkler system, which kept the flames from the wood paneling and ornate decorations in the church.
The flames were seen in three locations. Firefighters tried to battle the blaze without obliterating any historic structures.
The rectory of the church was evacuated. Firefighters conducted a search after reports that as many as 10 people were inside.
Everyone escaped from the building safely and no one was injured, officials said.
Fifty-seven fire department companies were on the scene and 187 firefighters, fire officals said. One firefighter was injured fighting the blaze and hospitalized in fair condition.
A worker discovered the fire, which appeared to have been burning for a while, said Chicago Fire Commissioner John W. Brooks.
etc etc