Three-alarm fire destroys century-old Bushwick church
Firefighters battle blaze from outside as church is consumed by flames
A three-alarm fire consumed the more than century-old Iglesia Pentecostal Arca Cristiana at 1155 Halsey Street in Bushwick on Wednesday morning. The fire started at around 10:30 a.m. and quickly spread, engulfing the bell tower and a large portion of the wood-framed church.
Firefighters were forced to battle the flames from outside.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
With the building at risk of collapse, firefighters were forced to retreat and work to control the fire from outside, using a defensive strategy to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings.
Firefighters face challenging conditions as they battle the blaze
Heavy smoke was visible for miles around Brooklyn as more than 140 firefighters fought for hours to control the flames, even as they and their equipment became covered in icicles in the freezing weather.
Water froze onto firefighters and their equipment in the freezing temperatures.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Extensive damage reported as church is likely to be demolished
The bell tower collapsed, and on Wednesday afternoon, there was extensive damage to the church. “It’s probably, most likely, a full demo,” said FDNY Chief of Operations Kevin Woods.
Neighbors recall happy memories of the church
For many in the community, the church holds sentimental value. Susie Rosa, who grew up attending the church, which was built around 1910, said, “That was my church when I was a little girl, it was my family’s church over the years. I have lots of happy memories there.”
FDNY to investigate cause of the fire
FDNY fire marshals will investigate the cause of the fire, which is one of several devastating fires to hit Brooklyn in recent weeks. On February 9, a house fire in Bay Ridge killed a 37-year-old Navy veteran, and 11 people were rescued from a two-alarm fire in a Crown Heights brownstone days later.
Conclusion
The three-alarm fire has left the community reeling, but the resilience of the people of Brooklyn will undoubtedly help them rebuild and recover from this devastating event.
FAQs
* When did the fire occur?
+ The fire started at around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
* How did firefighters respond to the fire?
+ Firefighters responded aggressively, but were forced to work from outside the building due to the risk of collapse.
* What is the extent of the damage?
+ The bell tower collapsed, and there is extensive damage to the church. It is likely to be demolished.
* Are there any reported injuries?
+ No, there were no reported injuries.
* What is being done to investigate the cause of the fire?
+ FDNY fire marshals will investigate the cause of the fire.
