Nearly 270 firefighters and EMS crews are battling a massive five-alarm blaze that tore through the First Reformed Church of Astoria in Queens this Thursday evening. Flames started in a residence attached to the 19th-century church before bursting through the roof, engulfing one of New York City’s oldest places of worship.
Flames Shoot From Roof as Firefighters Battle Back
The New York Fire Department received the emergency call at 6.46pm near 12th Street between 27th and Main Avenue, close to the historic church. Within just over an hour, the fire was upgraded to a fifth alarm—the FDNY’s highest routine alert for major structural fires—mobilising 84 units and about 270 personnel.
- Aerial footage showed towering flames ripping through the roof.
- Fire crews attacked the blaze externally with Ladder 117.
- Heavy smoke smothered a large section of Astoria, prompting public warnings.
The NYC Office of Emergency Management urged locals to shut windows and stay clear of the smoke. Witnesses described smoke engulfing the neighbourhood, stretching all the way to Broadway.
Historic Loss Looms for Queens Landmark
The First Reformed Church, established in 1839, is more than just a building—it’s a cornerstone of Astoria’s history, spanning nearly 200 years. Any permanent damage would be a huge blow to the community. Similar fires at historic places, like Notre-Dame in Paris and other wooden churches in the US, have shown how fast flames can devastate treasured landmarks. Firefighters faced the nightmare scenario: flames rapidly spreading from an attached home to the church sanctuary and roof, making containment incredibly tough.
Emergency Response Continues as Investigation Looms
Firefighting efforts are ongoing late into the night. Once the fire is under control, investigators will probe the cause while keeping an eye out for any injuries among residents or responders. Meanwhile, road and transit closures are expected to block the area around 12th Street overnight. With nearly two centuries of history on the line, Astoria watches anxiously as brave crews battle the blaze at one of its most cherished landmarks.
