Fire Significantly Damages Queens Church Hours Before Easter

QUEENS, NY — Two firefighters were injured Saturday fighting a three-alarm blaze that significantly damaged a church on the day before Easter, the FDNY said.

The fire at St. Edmund Church on Rockaway Point Boulevard was reported just before 2 p.m., officials said.

There were 33 units and 138 firefighters who responded to the fire, authorities said. The two injured firefighters were taken to a hospital with minor injuries, officials said. The fire was brought under control about 3:30 p.m.

Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish, which oversees St. Edmund Church, said the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Easter has been moved to St. Thomas More Church, parish officials said Saturday evening.

"On Holy Saturday, as we await the joy of the Resurrection, a fire broke out at St Edmund’s Church in Breezy Point, of Blessed Trinity Parish, causing significant damage," said Bishop Robert Brennan of Blessed Trinty Parish, who will be celebrating the Easter Mass at 10:30 a.m. "We thank God that no one was injured, and are so grateful to the New York City firefighters for their heroic efforts."

"Still our hearts are heavy for this sacred space has been a home of faith, prayer, and sacraments for so many. Please join me in praying for the parish community," Brennan said.

Photos shared by the FDNY and the parish showed significant damage inside the church, which was founded in 1937, with charring from the fire on pews, the walls and the ceiling where the fire burned through the roof.

The parish was able to save a statue of Jesus and a crucifix, ABC7 reported.

The FDNY said it is working closely with the parish "to ease their burden during this Holy Week."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.