City leaders pledge to rebuild after historic Brooklyn church destroyed by fire

City leaders pledged to rebuild after a three-alarm fire destroyed the historic South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn. The blaze erupted just before 1:30 p.m. Friday on Bushwick Avenue, with flames quickly consuming the structure and the steeple collapsing as the fire spread to nearby buildings. The church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, has long served as a community landmark in Bushwick. Neighbors and congregants described the loss as devastating, while Pastor James Stewart and board member Robert Camacho emphasized resilience and the church’s mission beyond its walls. Attorney General Letitia James visited the scene to offer support. Investigators are working to determine the cause, with officials saying there is no indication the fire is suspicious. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and declined medical care, and no other injuries were reported. The church is expected to be demolished as authorities plan the next steps, while city leaders pledged support for rebuilding efforts and coordination with the faith community. The loss underscores Brooklyn’s historic fabric, and officials signaled a long-term commitment to restoring the site and its role in the neighborhood.