"This morning, it was crazy!" said Paterson resident Jermain Harris.
Residents tell Eyewitness News it was a couple who lost their life - Juan Rodriguez says he knows the woman who died.
"It is sad because she was a good person, she didn't deserve anything like this," says Rodriguez.
At this point, fire officials have not identified the couple, but believe they know who they are. They haven't said how the fire started, but the Fire Marshal is investigating.
A source on the scene tells Eyewitness News that a gas can was found near the home. Neighbors also believe a third person lived in the home as well.
"I'm surprised the whole block didn't catch on fire," says Harris.
The whole block catching on fire was certainly a possibility judging the damage to the house next door. Victor Manuel was woken up by emergency crews banging on the door after the fire reached his home.
"He knocked the door, he told me something was burning - he's like 'fire, fire!'" Manuel says.
Manuel had to evacuate his home along with the other people living in the house, because the structure is now unstable.
"It surprised me, I'm still like kind of astonished, I can't really believe it," Manuel adds.
A squad car patrolled the home late Sunday night continuing to search for answers.