Historic Astoria Church Is Destroyed in Fire

NEW YORK — A massive fire tore through the First Reformed Church of Astoria in Queens on Thursday evening, leaving the historic structure largely destroyed and injuring six firefighters, officials said.

The blaze broke out around 6:45 p.m. at the church complex on 12th Street in Astoria, according to the Fire Department of New York. Authorities said the fire appeared to have started in an unoccupied two-story rectory before rapidly spreading to the main sanctuary.

The fire escalated to a five-alarm response, prompting the deployment of roughly 270 firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Crews battled the flames for several hours into the night as portions of the structure collapsed.

Six firefighters sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening. One firefighter was struck by falling debris but remained conscious and is expected to recover, officials said.

Kevin Woods, a chief with the Fire Department, said the age and construction of the building made the fire especially difficult to contain. Flames that penetrate concealed spaces in older structures can spread quickly and unpredictably, increasing the risk of collapse, he said.

The First Reformed Church of Astoria dates to 1839 and has long been considered a historical landmark in the neighborhood. The building had been vacant in recent years and was known to be in a state of disrepair.

No civilian injuries were reported, and officials said the absence of occupants likely prevented a more serious outcome.

Fire marshals are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze. Residents in the surrounding area were advised to remain indoors and keep windows closed as thick smoke lingered over the neighborhood.

For many in Astoria, the loss of the church represents more than the destruction of a building — it marks the disappearance of a longstanding piece of the community’s historical identity. []