Paterson firefighters rescue father, daughter from fire escape of burning building
By Jonathan Greene
Published: March 7, 2021
Firefighters rescued a man and his three-year-old daughter from the second-floor fire escape of a burning building on Fair Street, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Firefighters Robert Santore and Brian Hirschmanner went to the rear of 349 Fair Street, a three-story complex with 12 apartments, and spotted the man and the child.
The father was holding the daughter over the railing, ready to drop her to the firefighters below to save her. Santore and Hirschmanner calmed the father down and told him not to drop the child. Both firefighters ascended the fire escape and rescued the father and daughter.
Speziale said the father and daughter were taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center for evaluation.
Firefighters were called to the blaze at around 10 a.m. on Sunday. Heavy fire was observed on the second floor. Flames were extending to the third floor.
Fire reached third alarm.
Three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All three were taken to the hospital. There were no reported firefighter injuries.
18 people or 8 families were displaced. They are being assisted by the American Red Cross.