A massive fire broke out Friday at the South Bushwick Reformed Church at 855 Bushwick Ave. in Brooklyn, leading officials to determine the historic structure must be demolished. The FDNY reports that the blaze began just before 1:30 p.m., eventually escalating to a third-alarm fire that caused the church steeple to collapse and damaged adjacent properties.
Did You Know? The South Bushwick Reformed Church was officially recognized for its historical significance when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Current Status of the Scene
Nearly 200 fire and EMS personnel, representing 63 units, are currently working at the scene. According to the FDNY, the fire is contained but remains active, with deep-seated flames persisting inside the structure. While the church itself is slated for demolition due to the extent of the damage, fire crews are also working to protect the rectory, a separate building located behind the church that has already been impacted by the fire.
Personnel and Community Impact
Emergency responders report that there have been no injuries to civilians. One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation but declined medical attention. The loss of the structure is significant for the community, given the building’s status as a registered historic site. Fire Marshalls have launched an investigation to determine the origin and cause of the blaze.
Expert Insight: The transition from a second-alarm to a third-alarm fire within 20 minutes indicates the intensity of the blaze and the difficulty firefighters faced in preventing the spread to surrounding properties. The structural collapse of the steeple early in the event likely compounded the challenges for suppression efforts, ultimately leading to the determination that the building is beyond repair.
What Happens Next
As fire operations continue, the focus will likely shift toward securing the site and preventing further damage to the rectory and neighboring buildings. Once the fire is fully extinguished, the investigation by the Fire Marshalls will proceed to identify the cause. Following the investigation, city officials will likely oversee the demolition process for the historic site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the fire located?
The fire occurred at the South Bushwick Reformed Church, located at 855 Bushwick Ave. near Himrod Street in South Bushwick.
How many emergency personnel responded to the scene?
According to the FDNY, 63 units and nearly 200 fire and EMS personnel were deployed to the site.
Is the church going to be rebuilt?
Officials have stated that the church will have to be demolished due to the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
How do you believe the loss of historic local landmarks impacts the character of a neighborhood?
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