Investigators have not ruled out arson as the cause of a destructive fire that engulfed the 173-year-old South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn on June 19. Sources close to the investigation indicate that authorities are scrutinizing video evidence showing a suspicious individual leaving the historic church shortly before the blaze began.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has yet to officially determine the cause of the fire, which extensively damaged the wooden structure. Fire marshals are meticulously sifting through the debris in search of evidence of foul play, though the extensive damage has complicated the process.
The fire, which required nearly 200 firefighters and EMS personnel and burned for approximately two and a half hours, caused the church's historic steeple to collapse. The building, constructed in 1853, is now under a vacate order from the city’s Department of Buildings.
The South Bushwick Reformed Church congregation, established in the 17th century by Dutch settlers, is currently seeking to raise funds for repairs.
