Six Firefighters Injured as Massive Blaze Engulfs Vacant Astoria Church

A five-alarm fire sadly tore through a vacant church property in Astoria on Thursday evening, injuring six firefighters, including one who was struck by falling debris.

The blaze began in an empty building and spread to the historic First Reform Church of Astoria, both over 100 years old. The original church building dates back to the 1830s, but after a major 19th-century fire it was rebuilt in 1888.

The FDNY sent over 270 personnel to battle the flames. Parts of the roof collapsed and firefighters were forced to fight the fire from outside. Luckily, all injuries are reported as non-life-threatening.

The cause is under investigation, but the fire highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding abandoned buildings in NYC.