Yonkers church building destroyed in overnight fire
Authorities received reports of smoke around 3 a.m., prompting a rapid response from fire officials to the area of 20 Buckingham Road and Lockwood Avenue.
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A building owned by a Yonkers church was destroyed by an overnight fire.
Authorities received reports of smoke around 3 a.m., prompting a rapid response from fire officials to the area of 20 Buckingham Road and Lockwood Avenue.
MORE: Yonkers church fire causes road closures, traffic diversions in the city
Upon arrival, the crew found the building fully engulfed in flames. The two-story building is used for day care and other church activities by the St. George Orthodox Church, connected by a short corridor.
Deputy Fire Chief Joe Citrone stated that they knew immediately they would not be able to save the building since the roof and several walls had collapsed. Consequently, firefighters concentrated on protecting the church while attempting to extinguish the flames.
The fire escalated to three alarms, requiring the presence of 70-80 firefighters, including personnel from neighboring municipalities, to combat the blaze. It took crews nearly four hours to gain control over the flames.
Investigators suspect that construction activity at the site might have sparked the fire, although this has yet to be confirmed.
No injuries have been reported.
Chopper 12 over the scene
Viewer video of the fire
Interviews with Yonkers Deputy Fire Chief Joe Citrone
Lisa LaRocca's 6 a.m. report
Lisa LaRocca's 6:30 a.m. report
Lisa LaRocca's 7 a.m. report with update from Yonkers Deputy Fire Chief Joe Citrone
Lisa LaRocca's 7:30 a.m. report
Lisa LaRocca's 8 a.m. report
