Overnight 3-Alarm Fire Consumes Church Daycare And Rectory

YONKERS, NY — Fire crews battled a massive fire at a Westchester church overnight. The Yonkers Fire Department is telling morning rush hour commuters to continue to avoid the area.

Several roads remain closed near the top of Lockwood Avenue in the city.

It was nearly 3 a.m. when firefighters were called to the church on Buckingham Road in Yonkers.

Neighbors told CBS New York's Christina Fan the church was formerly Bryn Mawr Park Presbyterian Church, but it was recently sold and there is a new congregation there now.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, the rectory was already engulfed, according to the station. Firefighters were reportedly able to save the main church, containing the blaze to the rectory building.

Eyewitnesses report that the roof of the rectory building, which also houses a daycare, partially collapsed.

It has been a busy holiday season for firefighters and aid workers in the area. The Red Cross is helping four families after a fire on North Broadway in White Plains on Thursday. The agency is also helping two families after a devastating fire on Morrow Avenue in Scarsdale this weekend and six people in Mount Vernon after a fire on South 7th Avenue on Saturday.

The Red Cross’s Metro New York North Disaster Action Team provided emergency assistance, including financial assistance, to meet the families’ immediate needs. The Red Cross also typically provides information packets regarding recovery resources and guidance, cleanup kits, comfort kits with personal care items, snacks, waters, and other items as needed.

Red Cross caseworkers will also continue to work with families to connect them with additional resources for long-term recovery needs.

Anyone impacted by these disasters who needs recovery assistance and has not already connected with Red Cross services should call 1-877-RED-CROSS (1-877-733-2767).

The American Red Cross is urging people to stay safe during the holiday season. The Red Cross offers simple steps to avoid home fires starting from holiday decorations (here), such as using battery-powered candles and practicing a two-minute escape plan with the whole household.

The Red Cross provides assistance through the generosity of donors and the commitment volunteers. More information about how to volunteer with the Red Cross can be found here.