Bushwick fire: Videos show major blaze at 174-year-old Dutch Reformed Church of South Bushwick in Brooklyn, NYC
A historic Brooklyn church suffered catastrophic damage on Friday after a massive fire engulfed the landmarked Dutch Reformed Church of South Bushwick.
A video taken with the Citizen app shows the burning church in Bushwick. The building’s steeple seems to be consumed by flames. The air is also heavy with smoke. Residents reported seeing the FDNY working to prevent the blaze from spreading to neighbouring buildings.
Authorities have not yet disclosed information regarding any injuries or the fire’s origin.
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Investigation underway as community reacts
Just before 1:30 p.m., the South Bushwick Reformed Church, located at 855 Bushwick Ave. next to Himrod Street, reported heavy flames, according to the FDNY.
Around 1:45 pm, the fire reached a third alarm, according to ABC News. Nearly 200 fire and emergency medical workers, together with sixty-three units, were on the scene.
As of Friday afternoon, officials had not announced a cause for the fire. Authorities have not yet disclosed information regarding any injuries.
Investigators are expected to examine the scene once firefighters determine that the structure is safe to enter.
Jen Gutiérrez, a council member from New York City, stated that her office is keeping an eye on the fire. “Expect street closures in the area and consider alternate routes while emergency crews remain on scene,” she wrote.
In the video below, orange flames can be seen shooting out of the church’s spire, and thick smoke is emanating from the structure.
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Historic landmark devastated by fire
The Dutch Reformed Church of South Bushwick, or the “White Church,” is one of Brooklyn’s notable historic religious structures. The building has long served as a recognizable architectural landmark in the neighborhood and has been part of Bushwick’s landscape for generations.
The church was founded in 1654 and reorganized by the members of the Bushwick Reformed Church in 1853.
The architecture combines Greek Revival style with a Georgian-inspired tower and steeple. The church’s steeple was among its most recognizable features. Witnesses at the scene said the tower collapsed as flames consumed large portions of the building.
In one clip shared by the Citizen App, a person can be heard exclaiming, “Oh man, it’s gonna come down, dude.”