17 people displaced, three buildings damaged in Paterson fire
By Jonathan Greene
Published: May 7, 2021
Seventeen people were displaced and three buildings on Lafayette Street were severely damaged in a fire early Friday morning, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Firefighters arrived at 104 Lafayette Street at around 3:01 a.m. on report of a fire. They found heavy flames that was spreading to neighboring buildings. Fire reached third alarm.
Police had evacuated 102 Lafayette Street, getting ten people to safety, including one handicapped person. They removed them to the rear yard, but the heavy flames trapped the residents and the officers in the yard.
Firefighters cut through the rear fence to free them.
Three buildings were severely damaged. The displaced residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Cause of the fire is under investigation.