A lightning bolt struck a Paterson church on Tuesday, setting the building ablaze during the early morning hours.
According to preliminary information from fire officials, the fire spread quickly and eventually caused the damage severe damage to Our Lady of Victories Church located in the 300 block of Fair Street just before 3 a.m.
Officials say no one was inside the church during the blaze that started when severe storms brought heavy rain, lightning, and thunder this morning.
Officials say firefighters were able to get the blaze under control before it spread to other parts of the church.
There were no injuries reported.