The church fire affected Ponyboy, Johnny and Darry a lot. After Johnny and Ponyboy had rescued the little children who were is the burning church, Johnny did not have the chance to escape himself. Burning timber had fallen on Johnny. Johnny was then taken to the hospital. Before the church fire they were known as criminals, but now they were heroes for saving children in the church fire. The outcome that came from this disastrous happening was shocking to the whole greaser gang. After a dew days in the hospital Johnny dies saying,” Stay gold Ponyboy, stay gold.” (Page 126) If the church wasn’t burning then Johnny wouldn't have died. Johnny’s death was a great impact on Dally. Dally would only listen to Johnny. Johnny was the pet of the gang.