45 people displaced after fire burns through 3 buildings in Paterson, NJ
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Dozens of residents were left homeless after a fire burned through three homes in Paterson, New Jersey, early Wednesday morning.
The fire broke out around 3:45 a.m. inside 12 Elm St., just off of Mill Street.
A tenant says he believes it began in a third-floor kitchen.
"The fire started in the kitchen. The people on the third floor. Everything was on fire," said tenant Ceaser Sotomayor.
The top of the three-story building was completely destroyed and it spread to two other adjacent buildings.
At least 45 people were forced to evacuate the buildings. Some were later allowed to go back inside to retrieve a few things.
The American Red Cross said that they have a team of disaster responders in Paterson to assist the families impacted by the fire on Elm Street.
"At this time, at least 45 people in 10 units have been displaced by the fire. We are providing comfort and care at a reception center as next steps are determined. We expect to provide all with emergency assistance to help with temporary lodging, food, clothing, and other immediate needs," the American Red Cross said in a statement.
One resident said that he was asleep and woke up and tried to use a bucket of water to put out the fire, but was quickly overcome. He got his family up and ran out of the building.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. It does not look like the buildings will be torn down, but the repair process is expected to be lengthy.
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