Bushwick Fire: Video shows fire breaking out at 174-year-old South Bushwick Dutch Reformed Church in Brooklyn, New York
A historic Brooklyn church suffered catastrophic damage Friday when a fire engulfed the landmark South Bushwick Dutch Reformed Church.
Video captured using a citizen app shows a burning church in Bushwick. The building’s spire appeared to be engulfed in flames. The air was also filled with thick smoke. Residents reported seeing FDNY working to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings.
Authorities have not released information about any injuries or the cause of the fire.
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Investigation is ongoing as community responds
According to the FDNY, a fire was reported just before 1:30 p.m. at the South Bushwick Reformed Church at 855 Bushwick Avenue, off Shimrod Street.
The fire reached a third-alarm level around 1:45 p.m., ABC News reported. Nearly 200 fire and emergency medical personnel and 63 units are on scene.
As of Friday afternoon, officials had not released a cause of the fire. Authorities have not released information about any injuries.
Once firefighters determine it is safe to enter the building, investigators are expected to examine the scene.
New York City Council member Jen Gutiérrez said her office is closely monitoring the fire situation. “Streets are expected to be closed in the area and alternative routes are being considered while emergency crews remain at the scene,” she said. wrote.
In the video below, orange flames can be seen shooting from the church’s spire and thick smoke billowing from the church.
Historic landmark destroyed by fire
The South Bushwick Dutch Reformed Church, or “White Church,” is one of Brooklyn’s famous historic religious buildings. The building has long been a recognized architectural landmark in the area and has been part of the Bushwick landscape for generations.
The church was founded in 1654 and reorganized in 1853 by members of the Bushwick Reformed Church.
The building combines Greek Revival style with Georgian-style towers and spires. The church’s steeple is one of its most distinctive features. Witnesses at the scene said flames engulfed much of the building, causing the tower to collapse.
In a video shared by the Citizen app, one person can be heard exclaiming: “Oh my God, it’s gonna fall off, man.”
