Crews spent Wednesday morning trying to get a building fire in Paterson under control.

Fire officials say the basement fire on Summer Street eventually spread throughout the apartment building. Firefighters say replacement windows, dressers and bikes in the basement made it hard to reach the flames. According to the fire chief, firefighters had to be pulled from the building because the structure was unsafe.

At least 40 people are now homeless as a result of the fire. Approximately 60 firefighters spent more than five hours battling the flames. The fire chief says at least two firefighters were treated for minor injuries.