24 April Posted at 8:41 AM IST
A major fire broke out on the evening of Thursday April 23, at the First Reformed Church of Astoria in Queens, New York. The blaze began around 6:45 p.m. and quickly escalated into a five-alarm emergency, drawing a massive response from fire and rescue teams. The incident has raised concerns due to the building’s historical significance and scale of damage.
According to initial reports, the fire originated in a residential structure attached to or adjacent to the church. Within minutes, flames spread rapidly into the main church building, intensifying the situation. Thick smoke and flames were seen rising from the roof as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze.
Authorities deployed more than 200 firefighters and emergency personnel to the scene. Several fire units worked simultaneously to control the fire and prevent it from spreading further to nearby structures. The situation remained active into late evening, indicating the severity of the incident.
At least a few firefighters were reported injured and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. However, there have been no confirmed reports of civilian injuries so far, which officials consider a relief given the scale of the fire.
Local residents in the area were advised to keep their windows closed due to heavy smoke conditions. Officials also monitored air quality and safety conditions as firefighting operations continued.
The First Reformed Church of Astoria, established in 1839, is one of the oldest Protestant congregations in the region. Its historical and cultural value makes this incident particularly significant for the local community.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Investigations are ongoing, and officials have not indicated any signs of foul play at this stage. More details are expected as the situation develops.
Local leaders, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, urged residents to remain cautious and follow safety advisories during the emergency.
This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Raftaar e Deccan Newsdesk is the central editorial desk of Raftaar e Deccan, responsible for compiling, editing, and publishing breaking news, official statements, and verified inputs from reporters and agencies.
