FIRST OFF

A fire, believed to have been caused by arson, destroyed eight galleries and an estimated $50-million worth of irreplaceable artworks in the fashionable River North near the Chicago Loop this weekend. The fire was still burning in spots on Sunday, more than 24 hours after it broke out in at least three areas of a four-building complex. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries battling the blaze which devastated a one-square block, $40-million renovation project. Because the fire looked to have been set in three places, fire officials suspected it was set by arsonists. The century-old complex that housed eight art galleries was designed by architect Louis Sullivan and was awaiting City Council approval for designation as a historical landmark.