'Thanks Be To God,' As 2 Priests Escape To Safety After 7-Alarm Blaze At Church Rectory In Selden

SELDEN, NY — Two priests escaped to safety from a seven-alarm blaze that broke out at the rectory of St. Margaret of Scotland R.C. Church in Selden late Thursday night, the Diocese of Rockville Centre said.

The fire started at the College Road location, where the church's priests live, just before 11 p.m., and the pair escaped to safety, unhurt in the fire, Suffolk police said.

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"Thanks be to God, no one was harmed," Diocese of Rockville Centre spokesman Father Eric Fasano told Patch. "But the damage to the residence and the destruction of the priests’ personal belongings is a tragic loss."

"We are grateful for the work and sacrifices of the dedicated first responders," he said. "We are not yet aware of the cause of the fire. "

Fasano said the priests, whose identities were not released, will be staying at a hotel while the church makes arrangements for them to stay in another parish.

No one at the church was available to speak about the fire Friday morning.

The parish and greater Roman Catholic community rallied in support of St. Margaret's as news of the devastating fire spread.

Vito and Julianne Cipolla, whose families have been a part of the community, for several generations, started a fundraiser on GoFundMe, raising $150 out of a $4,000 goal.

The church holds a special place in their hearts, they wrote.

“This community suffered an unbelievable tragedy last night when fire ripped through the rectory and caused major damage to the structure,” according to the Cipollas.

Donations will help the church during its time of need and help rebuild “after the extreme loss that it has faced,” they said.

“Every dollar you contribute will make a difference,” they said. “This church makes a difference in our community every day, and now it’s our turn to help.”

“Together, we can uplift our community and ensure that St. Margaret of Scotland RC Church continues to thrive and can rebuild,” they concluded.

Suffolk Arson Squad detectives are investigating the blaze, police said.

It drew 11 different agencies, including firefighters from seven different departments, including Selden, Holtsville, Coram, Centereach, Farmingville, Setauket, and Ronkonkoma, Suffolk's Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services said.

Three fire hoses were used to extinguish the flames, and a tower ladder was also used to attack the fire from the top, a representative from FRES said.

It took around 40 minutes for firefighters to contain the blaze, but firefighters from Selden and Holtsville were called back into action at around 2:40 a.m. when smoke was reported at the location, according to FRES.

It is possible the rubble was still smoldering, a rep said.

The Medford and Port Jefferson ambulance companies also responded to the fire.

Patch has reached out to the Selden Fire Department, and Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal Chris Mehrman.

This is a breaking story and will be updated. Check back later.