Two people were hurt and 23 people were displaced Sunday in a four-alarm fire that damaged three buildings in Paterson, authorities said.
The fire began about 5 p.m. inside a multi-family dwelling on Temple Street, according to city Police Director Jerry Speziale.
“There was heavy fire in the basement and rear of the structure, extending” to two other buildings nearby, Speziale said.
The buildings were evacuated as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, Speziale said.
One firefighter was taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for possible heat exhaustion, Speziale said. A city resident was taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
Twenty-three people from six families were displaced and Paterson police worked with the American Red Cross to provide emergency assistance and lodging, officials said.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and local officials are investigating the cause of the blaze, officials said.
“It was a long day for city firefighters but a longer day for those affected by two swift moving fires,” city fire Chief Brian McDermott said in an email. “Paterson Fire (Department) extends their heartfelt concern and care to those affected.”
____
©2021 Advance Local Media LLC.
Visit nj.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
