Long Beach Firefighters put out church blaze

No injuries reported

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Long Beach Firefighters put out a blaze at the Cruzada Evangelica Misionera Church on Long Beach Boulevard Monday afternoon.

According to Long Beach Fire Chief Rich DiGiacomo, the department received a call about the fire at 2:47 p.m. Upon arrival, they noticed smoke coming from two sides of the building. As they entered, they found fire coming out of the basement and rising to the main floor.

The fire was put out within 40 minutes. DiGiacomo added that the church was empty and there were no injuries. Fire Commissioner Scott Kemins said the fire started in the basement and made its way up to the main floor. He added that there was no structural damage sustained to the building.


“The building is not totaled in any way, Kemins said. “There is smoke damage throughout the building. It is very reparable.”

Fire departments from Island Park, Oceanside, Lawrence, Cedarhurst and Inwood were on hand to assist the LBFD. Officials said the Nassau County Fire Marshal would investigate the source of the fire.

Rev. Raul Colon, who has lead the church for 14 years, said Cruzada Evangelica Misionera has been a part of the community for more than 50 years. Holding back tears, he tried to maintain optimistic about the future.

“We’re sad because this is the house of the lord,” Colon said, “but we know that we will pick ourselves up.”

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