This is both sad and symbolic…
A historic church in New York City is currently engulfed in flames.
Firefighters rushed to the scene at the First Reformed Church of Astoria, which is one of the oldest churches in the state.
They have declared it a fifth-alarm fire.
Here’s some footage of the blaze:
NOW: One of the OLDEST churches in New York City is currently up in flames
First Reformed Church of Astoria was established in 1839.
Really hate the see this.
Praying FDNY can save this church
pic.twitter.com/6wysGzsFmb
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 24, 2026
Queens NY Box 7509 – a fifth alarm fire in a church and exposures. 1 FDNY member injured and removed. @FDNYFC @fdny @FDNYFoundation @NYCEMSwatch @NYCEMCommish @UFANYC @Redwood00051 @nypost pic.twitter.com/QoHbZRULBA
— David Burns
(@FD4D) April 24, 2026
The FDNY shared more photos and videos:
HAPPENING NOW: FDNY units are operating at a 4-alarm fire on 12th Street and 27th Avenue in Queens. pic.twitter.com/2TKEXAPGOG
— FDNY (@FDNY) April 23, 2026
UPDATE: This is now a 5th-alarm assignment. Members continue to operate. pic.twitter.com/D4JpKqXQ3n
— FDNY (@FDNY) April 23, 2026
NOW: Operations continue at a 5-alarm fire on 12th Street and 27th Avenue in Queens. pic.twitter.com/ebCx3XFzPc
— FDNY (@FDNY) April 24, 2026
It’s just terrible to see.
In case you are wondering, here’s what the beautiful church usually looks like:
The Church was originally called the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the Village of Astoria
27-26 12th Street, Astoria, New York pic.twitter.com/rHp6CEFbmP
— Liberty An (@libertyanfree76) April 24, 2026
At this time, we do not know the cause of the fire.
Authorities say the fire started at a nearby residence, then spread to the church.
But, they do not know if the fire was set intentionally or accidentally.
CBS News provided the latest update:
Chopper 2 was over the blaze at the Reformed Church of Astoria on 12th Street, between Astoria Boulevard and 27th Avenue.
Fire officials say the fire started at a residence attached to the church at around 6:45 p.m. and quickly spread over to the church, itself, later reaching five alarms. Intense flames were seen shooting out of the house of worship’s roof.
Nearly 200 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the scene.
Sadly, multiple firefighters have been injured while responding to the fire.
ABC 7 NY reported:
At least four firefighters were injured, including one who is in serious condition after being struck in the head by falling roof debris, according to the FDNY. He is conscious and alert.
Please pray for all involved and that the church can still be saved!

NOW: One of the OLDEST churches in New York City is currently up in flames



