Several homes in Paterson were destroyed after two fires broke out within blocks of one another.

The Paterson Fire Department was first called to reports of a house fire in the area of Godwin Avenue and Rosa Parks Boulevard at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. The fire quickly spread to surrounding homes. The roof of at least one of the houses was badly damaged by the fire.

Another fire broke out two blocks away at some abandoned homes on Rosa Parks Boulevard soon after the fire on Godwin Avenue started.

About 31 residents from the Godwin Avenue homes were able to escape the fire without serious injury. The American Red Cross was called in to assist those who were displaced.

Six firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion and minor injuries.

Fire departments from several surrounding towns were called in to provide assistance.

The cause of both of the fires is under investigation.