Historic South Bushwick Reformed Church destroyed by fire

A massive fire on Friday, June 19, 2026, severely damaged the historic South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn, causing its iconic steeple to collapse and leaving the landmark structure a total loss. The blaze broke out shortly after 12:30 p.m. at the church on Bushwick Avenue near Himrod Street, quickly escalating to a three-alarm inferno that drew a massive emergency response.

Fire officials said 63 units and nearly 200 firefighters and EMS personnel battled the flames, which were largely brought under control by late afternoon. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The fire also spread to the church's rectory and an adjacent building. Officials stated the church will have to be demolished.

Videos from the scene showed heavy flames and thick black smoke billowing from the steeple, which collapsed approximately 15 to 20 minutes after the fire began. The cause remains under investigation, with fire marshals examining the scene.

The church, a Greek Revival structure built in 1853 and commonly known as the White Church, was designated a New York City landmark in 1969 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Its congregation...