Ukrainian Orthdox church in Canada damaged by fire in alleged arson

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral in Winnipeg damaged by fire, Canadian media inform.

The fire, which investigators say was arson, started around 9:30 p.m. Thursday at the Main Street and Redwood Avenue building. No one was hurt. Damages are estimated at more than $1 million.

The church's security alarm went off shortly before the fire alarm went off, police said. Fire officials said the blaze was contained mostly to the main floor, but smoke and water damage in the building is extensive.

Construction on the cathedral started in 1949 with the basement portion opening in 1952, the church website says. The cathedral itself was opened and consecrated in 1962.

Firefighters on the ground speculated arson was the cause, and the police force's arson unit is investigating.