A five-alarm fire erupted late Tuesday afternoon at a church and its adjoining rectory near 12th Street and 27th Avenue in Queens, drawing a significant emergency response from the FDNY. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours amid dense smoke that blanketed the surrounding Astoria neighborhood, prompting city officials to urge residents to keep windows closed and avoid the area.
The historic religious complex, a familiar fixture in the community, suffered extensive damage as flames engulfed both structures. Although no injuries have been reported so far, the FDNY confirmed that the fire remains active. Emergency crews have been working tirelessly to contain the fire, with additional units called in to assist given its scale and intensity.
Local residents and businesses experienced disruptions due to street closures and the thick smoke, which led to concerns about air quality. The city’s Office of Emergency Management issued advisories recommending that vulnerable populations, including children and those with respiratory conditions, stay indoors and limit exposure.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by older buildings in New York City, many of which still serve critical community functions but may lack modern fire safety upgrades. Fire officials are investigating the cause of the blaze, though no definitive determination has yet been announced.
As the FDNY continues its efforts to fully extinguish the fire, city officials have pledged support to the affected parish and neighborhood. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.