FDNY and NYPD Investigate Possible Arson in Major Brooklyn Church Fire

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the New York Police Department (NYPD) are currently collaborating on an investigation regarding a significant fire at the historic South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn, which is now being treated as an arson incident. This revelation comes from sources within the FDNY, who indicated that a person of interest was observed fleeing the vicinity of the church shortly before the fire erupted on June 19, 2026, at approximately 1:20 p.m. The church is located on Bushwick Avenue, near the intersection with Himrod Street.

In response to the fire, which rapidly escalated to a three-alarm event, nearly 200 firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were dispatched to the scene. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage captured the dramatic scene, showing intense flames and plumes of dark smoke emanating from the church’s steeple, which ultimately collapsed approximately twenty minutes after the fire began. Fortunately, the church was unoccupied at the time of the incident, as confirmed by FDNY officials. Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control by 3:35 p.m.

Following the fire, the city’s Department of Buildings issued a full vacate order for the church due to the extensive damage caused by the fire. Additionally, they required the owners to erect a construction fence around the property to ensure public safety.

In the days following this devastating incident, the church initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for recovery efforts. The initiative is designed to assist in establishing a temporary place for worship, replacing damaged equipment and furnishings, and supporting community outreach ministries. The funds raised would also contribute to architectural and engineering assessments, as well as the restoration of the nearly 175-year-old historic building.

As of Saturday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign had successfully raised over ,000. Church leaders have requested a halt to the emergency demolition order in hopes of preserving parts of the building deemed structurally sound by their structural engineer. The South Bushwick Reformed Church, erected in 1853, has deep historical roots, tracing its congregation back to the Dutch colonial era in the 1600s. It is recognized as one of the last eight surviving wooden houses of worship in New York City that hold landmark status granted by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by historic institutions and brings attention to the community’s dedication in recovering from such damaging events. Media News Source continues to follow this developing story closely.