Passaic Count officials say fierce flames engulfed two wood-frame buildings around 1:45 a.m. Sunday morning on Summer Street.
Fire officials say the blaze quickly spread to two adjacent buildings and then to a fifth building.
All of the structures involved in the fire were two story residential buildings with walk up attics.
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The Paterson Police Chief tweeted out a video of the fire.
Felicia Hernandez De La Cruz, 53, who was reported missing was discovered dead in the wreckage of one of the destroyed buildings.
Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries at Saint Barnabas Hospital in Livingston.
The Red Cross is on the scene working to relocate 47 members of nine families.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
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