Striking images have emerged of firefighters valiantly combating an intense 5-alarm blaze at a historic church in Queens, which previously endured a similar catastrophe over a hundred years ago. The dramatic incident unfolded on Thursday evening.
According to the FDNY, the fire ignited at a residence connected to the First Reformed Church of Astoria, located on 12th Street between 27th Avenue and Main Avenue, at approximately 6:45 p.m.
As the inferno spread to the church, it quickly escalated into a 5-alarm fire, prompting the deployment of around 270 firefighters and EMS personnel, officials reported.
Photographs from the dramatic scene reveal towering flames shooting skyward from the church’s roof, shrouding the area in a thick, smoky cloud.
Five firefighters were hospitalized, though their conditions remain undisclosed, according to officials.
Originally established in the late 1830s, the parish fell victim to a destructive fire on January 14, 1888, leading to the building’s demolition and subsequent reconstruction, as noted by the New York City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Smoke-eaters continued to battle the flames late into the night.
“The firefighters came at the same time we did. They looked like they were trying to localize the fire, keep it down, then it seemed to spread to the church,” nearby resident Jack told FreedomNewsTV.
“And it looks like they’ve just been trying to put it out in the church ever since. And it looks like it’s been a bit stubborn. It’s not going away,” he added.
Kevin Harris, who identified himself as a former head deacon of the church, said the community is reeling over the extensive damage the house of worship is expected to suffer.
“It hurts, it hurts my whole family. My sister was just over there. My niece went to this church. My mother went to this church. We have elders … who went to this church,” Harris said.
“Everyone has heard about this. People got married, baptized. This is our life. We’ve been going here since I moved out here in ’67.”
Local leaders advised nearby residents to remain indoors and keep their windows shut.
“I am in touch with NYCEM about a five-alarm fire at First Reformed Church of Astoria,” Assemblywoman Diana Moreno wrote on X.
“People nearby should avoid smoke and close windows. These street closures are in effect: 12th St from Astoria Blvd to 27th Ave and 27th Ave from 8th St to 14th St.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
