Over 100 firefighters tackle New York building engulfed in flames
Raw video: A large fire broke out at a five-story vacant building, spreading to a nearby church in the East Village in Manhattan.
A massive fire broke out in a vacant New York City building early Saturday morning, spreading to a historic East Village church, fire department chiefs said.
The 128-year-old Middle Collegiate Church roof collapsed as the fire raged. The initial 4-alarm fire continued to burn, growing into an eventual 6-alarm fire.
FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro was on the scene to help fight the fire and assess the damage.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S BOND FIRE EXPLODES OVERNIGHT, FORCING EVACUATION OF THOUSANDS
The department received the call shortly before 5 a.m., with units arriving “very fast,” according to Assistant Chief John Hodgens.
“We quickly transmitted additional alarms to get additional help here,” Hodgens said. “We knew this was going to be a big operation.”
“We were able to contain it to that area,” he added.
FLORIDA MAN POURED GASOLINE ON WOMAN, SET HER ON FIRE, AUTHORITIES SAY
At the time of Hodgens's statement, the fire was designated a 5-alarm fire, which required 200 firefighters and 44 units to contain.
Units sustained “minor injuries” for four firefighters. The church, however, suffered “extensive” damage, with Hodgens labeling it a “total loss.”
The department and city officials will need time to assess the full damage to the buildings. The cause of the fire is unknown, but marshals have already started an investigation into the cause.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The vacant building had previously burned in February last year, but the cause was determined to be an accident and unrelated to Saturday’s blaze.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
