Chicago authorities say there is no word yet on what caused the fire which broke out in the landmark Holy Name Cathedral early this morning.
Fire fighters are still battling the blaze a brutally cold morning with temperatures only in the single digits. Tobacco continues to flow from the church roof.
Suspicious Fire at holy Name Cathedral
Father Dan is MAYALL Holy Name of pastor and lives in the Rectory, which was evacuated when the fire was discovered. MAYALL says the interior of the church has significant water damage.
He says the fire was reported by an employee working part of the crew to strengthen support in the historical building.
Fire Commissioner John Brooks says the church sprinkler system is actually less than where the fire started. He says it is not clear what started the fire.
The original Holy Name destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire and rebuilt the parish, the opening of the new cathedral in 1875.