BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The doors to St. Joseph Cathedral were wide open Friday, but it wasn't to welcome parishioners to Mass. Fans near the entrance whirred loudly to clear smoke after a small fire broke out inside the church.
"Msgr. David Slubecky came into the cathedral, turned the lights on in the morning to prepare for 7:30 a.m. Mass. About an hour later, the alarms began to go off," said Diocese Communications Director George Richert.
Contractors have been working inside to re-lead the stained glass windows. Richert said it appears some combustibles may have been left near lights that sit underneath the windows. Flicking the lights on sparked the fire.
"They are a contractor that works with us and they've been doing a methodical job, one window at a time," Richert said. "We're not sure what was left or what went wrong, but that's something we need to look into."
Buffalo firefighters told Time Warner Cable News the church does not have any windows that can be opened near the ceiling, presenting a problem clearing smoke. Earlier, some lower side windows were opened to aid with the airing out.
Despite the morning chaos, Richert said he's glad no one was hurt and someone was around to hear the alarm.
"We're also fortunate this didn't happen right before or during Holy Week. Last week was a very busy week here, but we expect things to go on as usual here at the cathedral," said Richert.
Firefighters tell us initial damages hover around $230,000. Richert said they removed three pews that were charred and are working to assess ceiling damage. He told us they hope to be back on their feet for Mass Saturday evening or Sunday morning. If not, Mass will be held in the chapel behind the church.