Massive fire rips through building in Paterson, New Jersey
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- A massive fire ripped through multiple apartment units and businesses in Paterson, New Jersey after midnight on Sunday.
Video shows multiple agencies responding to the building along Broadway.
A man says he was sleeping upstairs when the flames broke out.
"I started smelling smoke, and I thought, 'I'm not smoking a cigarette or anything,' so I came out here and could hardly breathe when I came out here. Now I have to start all over again," the man said.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh asked for prayers as firefighters battle the seven-alarm fire.
"Our firefighters have been battling a massive seven-alarm fire for several hours. We appreciate their remarkable response and commend the neighboring departments for their assistance. Please pray for the families that have been displaced and the one resident who is unaccounted for at the moment," Sayegh said in a post on Facebook.
The Red Cross said they are assisting 11 people in six families. They said that residents temporarily displaced from the adjacent building as a safety precaution are expected to be able to return to their homes Sunday once utilities are turned back on and the fire department deems it is safe to return.
It's not clear if anyone was hurt, but Mayor Sayegh said one resident is currently unaccounted for.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
