Courtesy New York City Fire Department
Firefighters battled a five-alarm fire at Our Lady of the Rosary Pompeii Church in Williamsburg on Easter Sunday, March 31, as heavy smoke billows from the building
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Firefighters battle a five-alarm fire at Our Lady of the Rosary Pompeii Church in Williamsburg on Easter Sunday, March 31, as heavy smoke billows from the building
A five-alarm fire broke out at a Catholic church in Williamsburg on Easter Sunday on March 31, causing injuries to multiple individuals within the vicinity.
The blaze ignited at approximately 1:45 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Pompeii, situated at 225 Siegel St. in Williamsburg, engulfing the church’s second floor.
According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), the inferno led to minor injuries for three civilians and three firefighters. Heavy smoke billowed across the vicinity for several blocks, with flames fiercely consuming the church’s rooftop.
Efforts to quell the flames persisted into the late afternoon, with firefighters finally gaining control of the situation at around 5:18 p.m. However, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, prompting an investigation by the fire marshal.
The incident disrupted Easter services, triggering a substantial FDNY response. Emergency crews swiftly descended upon the scene, cordoning off Seigel Street to facilitate firefighting operations.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, noting the presence of individuals within the church celebrating the Easter holiday as the fire erupted. Reportedly, approximately 100 worshippers had gathered for the afternoon mass.
Despite the ferocity of the blaze, FDNY officials commendably managed to salvage the church structure. However, a section of the second floor collapsed during the ordeal, resulting in a minor injury for one firefighter.
Tragically, the church’s rectory suffered extensive damage, with investigations underway to ascertain the cause of the conflagration.
Courtesy Our Lady of the Rosary Pompeii Church Facebook page
Amid Easter celebrations, firefighters battled a fierce blaze at Our Lady of the Rosary Pompeii Church in Williamsburg.