Fire crews from all over Passaic County responded to a massive fire in Paterson Sunday night that displaced 40 people and destroyed two buildings, according to Mayor Andre Sayegh.
The fire began around 5 p.m. in a stretch of multi-family homes along Totowa Avenue. Hours later, crews were still treating hot spots.
“The fire department responded in such rapid fashion,” Sayegh said. “Unfortunately, it couldn't save those two structures, but they did save that third structure, which is pretty damaged as well.”
Sayegh said there were no injuries.
The Red Cross was on-hand to assist some of the victims. There could be more if the third building must also come down.
“For the next couple days, we're going to monitor the situation, especially the third structure, to see if it's structurally sound, because there could be a possibility it has to be demolished,” Sayegh said.
A cause of the fire was not immediately known as of Sunday night.
The incident marked the city’s second major fire in less tha a week, following
Monday’s early-morning fire at George The Butcher.