The City of New York Fire Department responded to a reported fire at the First Reformed Church of Astoria on 12th Street in Astoria at around 6:45 p.m. on April 23.

Authorities reported that when emergency personnel arrived, they found a two-story rectory that was completely burned down, with flames quickly spreading into the church structure. Before operations had to switch to an external attack due to deteriorating conditions and structural concerns, firefighters first pushed many handlines inside both structures.

During exterior operations, portions of the roof and walls collapsed. FDNY Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods said one firefighter was struck in the helmet by falling bricks and transported to a local hospital after being treated by FDNY Rescue Medics and EMS personnel. Five additional firefighters sustained non-serious injuries.

More than 270 fire and EMS personnel responded to the five-alarm fire, which was placed under control at approximately 10:30 p.m. The cause remains under investigation.