Authorities say a fire inflicted major damage on a home in Linden on Friday.

The cause of the fire is being investigated. However, News 12 has learned over the last year that there have been multiple code violations on the property.

A source close to the investigation also told News 12 that the property at 125 Gesner St. had been converted into an illegal synagogue.

Authorities say the preliminary investigation shows that there are no stairs to the second floor. "One of my firemen upon arrival ended up on the second floor where he stepped and almost fell through,” said Linden Mayor Derek Armstead.

The investigation also revealed that electrical work has been done and some other structural changes have been made without the required permits.

"We will not tolerate any violations of our code enforcement,” said Linden Mayor Derek Armstead.