An empty storefront building located in the corner of Clark Street and Market Street caught on fire yesterday afternoon, leaving the owner to speculate that a passerby tossed in a half-lit cigarette butt that caused the fire to spark.

Fire at the Downtown Paterson building began burning at 2pm on Thursday; about the same time, after receiving a call from a resident, the Paterson Fire Department responded, and put out the flames.

The vandalized, graffiti ridden building was slightly damaged on the outside; however, there is likely more internal damage than external. The fire probably did less damage to the building than neglect practiced by its owner.

No one was injured during the fire.