Fire at George the Butcher prompts evacuations in Paterson
Due to concerns that the over 100-year-old building might collapse, the city has evacuated apartments across the street and nearby businesses.
More Stories
A fire that broke out after midnight at George the Butcher, located at the corner of Washington and Fair streets in Pateron, has led to evacuations in the area.
One firefighter was hospitalized but is expected to be OK.
Due to concerns that the over 100-year-old building might collapse, the city has evacuated apartments across the street and nearby businesses.
Mayor Andre Sayegh (D) addressed the situation, stating, "There's a real fear that the building will collapse. It's over 100 years old so out of an abundance of caution the fire department has determined that the residence that live across the street in that building have to be evacuated so now we're talking about 16 residents who have to be displaced and relocated as a result of this fire."
The city has committed to assisting George the Butcher in either moving or rebuilding. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
