A large fire in Paterson has displaced 20 city residents and destroyed a local business.

The first started on the 1,000 block of Madison Avenue around 5 p.m. Wednesday. It quickly spread to two homes and a T-Mobile store.

Photos and videos posted on social media showed bright flames and smoke coming from the buildings.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but witnesses tell News 12 New Jersey that the fire may have started in an alleyway between the two homes where trash is normally kept.

The fire department was able to get the fire mostly under control a few hours later.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh tells News 12 that five families – totaling 20 people – were displaced by the fire. The American Red Cross is helping 12 of those residents with food, clothing and lodging.

No injuries were reported.