The fire started around 5 p.m. in a stretch of multifamily homes along Totowa Avenue. Hours later, crews were still treating hot spots.
Mayor Andre Sayegh said that there were very few challengers for firefighters, although two buildings are destroyed and will be demolished.
He said a third building was saved, but damaged. Crews are going to monitor to see if that also needs to be demolished.
The Red Cross was on-hand last night to offer assistance to over 40 people. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Just a week ago, a major fire damaged an over 100-year-old building that housed George's Butcher Shop. But the mayor said the owner plans to reopen.