A five-alarm fire broke out at Our Lady of the Rosary Pompeii in Brooklyn during Easter services, prompting a massive response from the New York Fire Department. Video footage showed flames shooting out of the church, and at least six people were being treated for injuries sustained in the fire. Among those injured were three firefighters and three parishioners, with all injuries reported as minor. Parishioners inside the church smelled smoke and quickly evacuated, prompting a swift response from the fire department. Fire officials managed to extinguish the fire on the first floor, but it had spread to the second floor of the building.
First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer reported that parishioners smelled smoke during Easter services and immediately evacuated the building. Approximately 150 parishioners were inside at the time, and the fire quickly escalated to five alarms. Firefighters worked diligently to save the church portion of the building, with only water damage reported. One firefighter fell from the second floor to the first floor while battling the blaze, but thankfully, he was uninjured and able to continue fighting the fire. The fire was eventually brought under control at 5:18 p.m., and FDNY Fire Marshals are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Brooklyn Diocesan spokesperson John Qualione expressed concern for parishioners who were affected by the fire, stating that many individuals in attendance at the Easter services may be mourning the damage to their church. He noted the deep connection people have to their parish and emphasized the impact of witnessing a fire tear through a place of worship. Despite the devastation, Qualione acknowledged the bravery and dedication of the firefighters who worked to contain the fire and protect the church. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the swift response of emergency services in times of crisis.
The fire at Our Lady of the Rosary Pompeii in Brooklyn serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of emergencies and highlights the importance of preparedness in places of worship. The incident disrupted Easter services, causing concern for parishioners who were forced to evacuate the building. While the church portion of the building was saved, significant damage occurred on the first and second floors. The resilience shown by firefighters and emergency responders during the five-alarm blaze is a testament to their dedication to saving lives and protecting communities.
The swift response of the New York Fire Department was instrumental in containing the fire and preventing further damage to the church. Despite the challenges faced during the firefighting efforts, including a firefighter falling from the second floor to the first, no serious injuries were reported. The bravery and quick thinking demonstrated by the firefighters as they battled the blaze underscores their commitment to serving the community. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the affected parishioners and church staff are left to grapple with the aftermath of the incident and rebuild in the wake of the destruction.
As parishioners mourn the damage to Our Lady of the Rosary Pompeii, the Brooklyn Diocesan spokesperson acknowledges the emotional impact of the fire on those who were present during the Easter services. The close-knit nature of parish communities makes such incidents particularly poignant, as individuals grapple with the loss of a cherished place of worship. The compassion and support shown by neighbors and first responders in the aftermath of the fire serve as a source of strength and solidarity for those affected. The resilience demonstrated by the church community in the face of adversity is a testament to their faith and determination to overcome challenges. Moving forward, efforts to rebuild and restore the church will be a testament to the resilience and unity of the parishioners and the broader community.
