Fires in churches and cathedrals are notoriously difficult to fight, given the lack of interior partitions and exposed structural members. This
current fire seems no different.
The building is at least partially sprinklered, and it is unusual for fire to destroy a building provided adequate sprinkler protection. However, there has been some damage to the roof and attic area, and I also wonder if the engineering criteria for the sprinkler protection may have been adequate.....I'll have to see the fire report to find out, I guess...
Lord have mercy! Let us hope no one is injured!
Fire Breaks Out At Historic Holy Name Cathedral
An extra-alarm fire broke out early this morning at the historic Holy Name Cathedral, and flames were seen shooting through the roof.
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....