First Reformed Church of Astoria engulfed in five-alarm fire, six firefighters injured
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Apr 24
First Reformed Church of Astoria engulfed in five-alarm fire, six firefighters injured
6 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 24
The blaze began at a residence attached to the historic Queens church around 6:45 p.m., with over 270 fire and EMS personnel responding before it was controlled at 10:30 p.m.
Six firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries as parts of the roof and walls collapsed during efforts to contain the stubborn flames, prompting praise from local officials for first responders’ actions.
The 1830s-era church suffered extensive interior damage, deeply affecting the local community, which has longstanding ties to the building. The church previously endured a damaging fire in 1888.
The church was vacant with complaints of trespassers. Was this tragic fire a result of neglect?
After a second devastating fire, can Astoria's 19th-century church be saved or will it be demolished?
How will New York's strict landmark laws affect the future of this historic church's ruins?
Could this fire spark a city-wide debate on protecting other abandoned historic landmarks?
Will the surviving brick tower become a monument to the past or the cornerstone of a new future?