New Jersey

Fast-Moving New Jersey Fire Consumes Homes, Displaces Dozens

What to Know

  • A fast-moving fire roared through several homes in a northern New Jersey neighborhood, injuring six firefighters and displacing 51 residents
  • While residents managed to escape the flames to safety, fire officials called for backup; 150 firefighters from around the area responded
  • The cause of the initial fire remains under investigation

A fast-moving fire roared through several homes in a northern New Jersey neighborhood, injuring six firefighters and displacing 51 residents.

The fire in Paterson began around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday in a home on Summer Street and quickly spread to the other structures. Responding firefighters found the flames shooting through the roofs of the homes.

While residents managed to escape the flames to safety, fire officials called for backup. Nearly 150 firefighters from around the area responded.

Fire officials say the injured firefighters were mostly treated for dehydration and related injuries suffered as they battled the blaze on a hot and humid morning.

"It takes a toll on the guys and gals out here working so hard," Paterson Fire Department Chief Brian McDermott. 

No residents were hurt. Those displaced by the fires were getting assistance from the American Red Cross.

"We got nothing," resident Charles Harris said. "We got nothing but the clothes on our back."

The cause of the initial fire remains under investigation.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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