The FDNY has deemed the Easter Sunday fire at Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii accidental. Investigators said a hot object and hot embers sparked the five-alarm fire at the Bushwick parish.
About 150 parishioners were at 1 p.m. Spanish language mass on Easter Sunday when smoke filled the church. They quickly evacuated, and more than 200 firefighters responded to the scene. While no one was seriously injured, the rectory and parish center were destroyed.
In a statement, Bishop Robert Brennan said he was grateful the FDNY prevented any further tragedy.
For now, the faithful of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii are attending Mass at their sister church, All Saints.
Bishop Brennan says the property lost to the fire has been safely secured and is pending demolition.