FDNY officials say the fire broke out around 6:45 p.m. in a vacant, two-story rectory, then spread to a vacant church next door.
Six firefighters were injured, including one seriously, while fighting a blaze in Queens on Thursday. FDNY officials say the fire broke out around 6:45 p.m. in a vacant, two-story rectory, then spread to a vacant church next door.
Both are over 100 years old. A thick wall of smoke swallowed the neighborhood as the firefighters tried to knock down the raging flames, but the flames were relentless.
"The FDNY had to get creative maneuvering tower ladders up 12th Street at Astoria Boulevard," said FDNY Chief of Operations Kevin Woods. "A tight squeeze as they doused the flames that consumed the church, shooting out of its windows with aggression. " Six firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including one who was struck in the head by falling debris after part of the roof collapsed, according to the FDNY. He is conscious and alert, and is expected to be OK.
People who live in the area say the building has been here for centuries, but the church has been abandoned for some time now. The community has been concerned about trespassers.
"Sad, you know. It's a nice-looking church. You know, you don't want to see your building go up in flames," said Astoria resident Allen Yee.
"So, yeah, it's just sad. And I don't want to see this happening in my neighborhood.
" "Hurts. My whole family. My sister was just over here. My niece went to this church.
My mother went to the church," said a witness named Kevin Harris. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo,Grandson of mob boss John Gotti sentenced on Long Island for COVID fraud1 still sought after high-speed chase with stolen purple Lamborghini in New Jersey
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Video Shows Teen Beatdown on Classmate in Queens Middle School LunchroomVideo from inside a Queens middle school cafeteria shows a teenage girl wildly beating down on a classmate, and teachers failed to break up the fight
Read more »
Queens street takeover: 8 suspects still wanted as new photos releasedPolice have released new photos as they continue to search for individuals involved in a reckless street takeover that caused mayhem in Queens this past weekend.
Read more »
Mets losing streak reaches 12 after Williams implodes again, fall to Twins 5-3QUEENS, NY — The Mets' misery simply is eternal.
Read more »
Queens restaurateur erects massive $400K shrine for saint he says saved him from fatal plane crashToday's Video Headlines 04/22/26
Read more »
Incumbent Queens Assembly member heads to court as signature fraud allegations mount in primary fight |A bitter ballot fight in a Queens Democratic primary is set to move to court Thursday as incumbent Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar faces a court challenge
Read more »
Waldorf Astoria New YorkNew York City, New York
Read more »