The June fire that burned down parts of the South Bushwick Reformed Church may have been intentionally caused, according to a New York City Fire Department spokesperson.
The fire on June 17 is now categorized as incendiary, a FDNY spokesperson said. According to the Bureau of Fire Investigations, "incendiary" could mean fire caused by combustible material, ignitable liquid, fireworks, a torch, reckless use of an open flame, combustible gas, attempted arson, explosives, suicide, attempted suicide or self immolation.
The church, currently used by the South Bushwick Community Church, is believed to have been unoccupied at the time of the fire, the FDNY said at the time of the fire.
Built in 1853, South Bushwick Reformed Church is a Dutch Reformed church that combines Greek Revival style with a Georgian-inspired tower and steeple, according to the National Fund for Sacred Places. The original congregation was made up of 20 families from neighboring farms. Today, the church is one of only eight wooden landmarked houses of worship in New York City.
The church, which launched a GoFundMe page, has raised over $14,500 to find a temporary worship place and for future renovations.
The cause remains under investigation, according to the spokesperson.
