NYC Firefighters Save Historic 'Godfather' Church From Warehouse Blaze
Over 200 firefighters battled a four-alarm fire that threatened a landmark church on Staten Island.
New York City firefighters successfully protected a historic church, known for its appearance in "The Godfather," from a substantial warehouse fire in Staten Island on Saturday evening. The blaze, which began in a vacant warehouse at 6581 Hylan Boulevard around 5:45 p.m., escalated to four alarms, drawing more than 200 firefighters and EMS personnel to the scene at Mount Loretto.
FDNY chief of operations Kevin Woods reported that "heavy, heavy damage" occurred to the warehouse structure, with its roof collapsing. Firefighters immediately initiated a defensive operation, deploying multiple large-caliber stream tower ladders and handlines to contain the fire. The strategy was crucial given the windy conditions, which threatened to spread burning embers to nearby structures.
The targeted warehouse had been vacant for five years. However, its proximity to other buildings on the Mount Loretto grounds, including two schools and the Old Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne, presented a significant risk. The church, famously featured in exterior shots of the baptism scene in the 1972 film "The Godfather," had previously suffered extensive damage in a 1973 fire, though its façade survived and it was rebuilt three years later.
Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control by approximately 8:30 p.m., preventing it from spreading to the church and other nearby buildings. Woods credited the units' efforts in managing flying embers and protecting adjacent structures.
One firefighter sustained a minor burn injury to his leg during the operation. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office.