On Thursday May 20, 2004 at approximately 2030 hours the Pittsford Fire Department received an automatic alarm at the First Presbyterian Church, on Church St. in the village of Pittsford.
There were heavy thunder/lightning storms moving through the area at the time.
The 1st Assistant Chief (3C-28) arrived on scene and was met by church members who reported that the building. was struck by lightning and there was a fire.
A full structure assignment was called for, quickly followed by mutual aid requests for ladder towers from the Bushnells Basin Fire Department & Fairport Fire Department. Numerous engine companies were also called due to low water supply on the village's main.
The fire quickly took control of the cockloft and a portion of the roof over the main sanctuary collapsed.
In all five mutual aid companies were called to the scene (Brighton FD, Bushnells Basin Fire Department, East Rochester Fire Department, Fairport Fire Department & Mendon Fire Department).
Four truck companies, approximately 8 engine companies and one rescue worked the fire for over 2 hours to bring it under control.
An engine from Penfield & Brighton filled-in at Pittsford Fire Department Station #1.
Units were on scene throughout the night and well into the next day.
The cause was the lightning strike which destroyed the main part of the church. Ironically, the original church was met by the same fate over 100 years ago.
