Toll of Commuting
News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files
FIFA World Cup

Over 30 displaced in Paterson house fire; missing man found safe safe

The fire broke out at about 10:30 a.m. on Madison Avenue and quickly spread through two structures, engulfing multiple floors.

Christine Queally

Mar 4, 2026, 9:30 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

Multiple firefighters from Paterson and surrounding towns worked to put out a large, residential fire in the city.

The fire broke out at about 10:30 a.m. on Madison Avenue and quickly spread through two structures, engulfing multiple floors.

Paterson officials said one person who lived in the building was unaccounted for, but he has since been located.

"It was awful, in flames all over," one woman whose mother was rescued from one of the buildings said. "My uncle went in the house, went over the fence and knocked down the door."

A total of 33 residents have been displaced, and a fire captain is suffering second-degree burns, according to Paterson public safety director Jerry Speziale.

"It was so large into the sky that I could see it across the city at fire headquarters. I didn't know there was a fire from a radio. I knew it from seeing the smoke," he said.

"We look at every angle, not only where the fire originated, but what may have caused it and were there single room occupancy, any illegal occupancy," said Paterson's fire Chief Alex Alicea.

More Stories

Top Stories

01:36
Screenshot 2026-05-15 051254

Electrical fire near Penn Station disrupts NJ Transit service and morning commute

01:42
Screenshot 2026-05-14 152550

The rain has passed, now New Jersey waits on the warm-up

02:36
REPaterson Shooting Folo_2026-05-14-22-13-51

Paterson police confrontation following mass shooting under investigation

02:59
PawsAndPals0515NJTA_2026-05-15-08-42-01

Paws and Pals: Cain knows how to be a great companion

00:21
Screenshot 2026-05-15 050250

Vehicle slams into tree in Edison business area, emergency crews respond

02:24
Shakira

FIFA announces Super Bowl-style World Cup final halftime show featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS

00:19
Therapist Arrested

Nursing facility employee arrested for alleged abuse of 86-year-old patient in North Bergen

00:20
Bloomfield arrest

Brooklyn teen charged following multi-car pursuit and crash on Garden State Parkway

02:03
Screenshot 2026-05-14 183113

New Jersey could ban flour additive already banned in other states and overseas

02:07
Asha2_2026-05-15-05-33-32

Dermatologist says one sunburn can increase risk of skin cancer

01:32
Screenshot 2026-05-14 065022

Shoppers see empty shelves as some Super Foodtown stores deal with supply problems

US Bed Bath & Beyond Bankruptcy Filing

Bed Bath & Beyond to make comeback with 5 New Jersey locations

01:27
Screenshot 2026-05-14 222013

Should New Jersey suspend the gas tax?

02:12
MTNJAskGovSherFBlock0514_2026-05-14-19-06-09

Gov. Sherrill answers viewers’ questions in inaugural ‘Ask Gov. Sherrill’ program – May 14, 2026

00:45
njproud51426_2026-05-14-22-33-06

Jersey Proud: Westminster Choir College set to honor 100 years

00:24
fatal train strike

Child killed after being struck by NJ Transit train in Red Bank

00:28
REfairlawnschoolbus_2026-05-14-17-39-23

17-year-old girl recovering after getting hit by school bus

ManchesterBurgKratomAM_2026-05-12-08-32-09

Medford man arrested in Country Farms burglary investigation

school threat

Shelter-in-place lifted at Clark high school after unsubstantiated threat

00:52
N12HealthWomen

Syndrome affecting women’s ovaries, infertility given new name

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices