A possible explosion and early morning 4-alarm fire rocked a Paterson neighborhood, destroying several homes and leaving at least 62 people displaced.

The blaze began around 2:20 a.m. at 77 Mill St. The remains of the 3-story wood frame structure, doubling as apartments and a salon, are clearly seen. The blaze quickly moved to six other residential buildings in the tightly packed neighborhood.

 

The fire department is trying to gain full control of what is left of the fire. Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott says a potential explosion may have sparked the fire, but it's under investigation by the Paterson Arson Unit and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

"All of the buildings are interconnected and have common spaces for fire to travel serious," says Chief Brian McDermott. "The most serious damage is at 7779. Two large three-story buildings, with that there are 62 people that are displaced. The American Red Cross -- a great job they're doing non-congregational housing right now for the victims."

Everyone is accounted for, with no injuries and no fatalities expected.

“We have our health and human services,” says Mayor Andre Sayegh. “We are going to stay on top and monitor what happens with some of these individuals. Some of them have families that they can stay with, but some may not. So, we have to be prepared and we have to continuously coordinate with the American Red Cross to see how we can further assist these individuals have been affected by this fire."

The Red Cross is providing financial assistance for the displaced residents, such as temporary shelter, food, and clothing. City leaders are also assisting.

Police also helped rescue around 15 people, along with several civilian-led rescues.