Firefighters contain blaze at Chicago cathedral

Holy Name cathedral on State Street. Flames were shooting through the church's roof for about an hour before they were replaced by plumes of white smoke as firefighters doused the blaze with water Photograph: Michael Tercha/AP

Amid freezing temperatures, firefighters prepare to battle the fire in the cathedral's cock loft Photograph: Michael Tercha/AP

Smoke rises from the roof as firefighters get the blaze under control Photograph: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

Chicago firefighters work in freezing temperatures to contain the fire Photograph: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

The fire, which caused damage to the church's roof and attic, spared the sanctuary. However there was considerable water damage, according to the Chicago Tribune Photograph: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP