PATERSON, NJ - First arriving firefighters at a home at 113 Warren St. were able to quickly rescue a resident that was trapped inside as the structure was becoming heavily involved.

Multiple calls were being received shortly before 8:00 A.M. on January 9th reporting the fire. Police confirmed that the structure had heavy fire showing. First due Engine 5 and Ladder 3 immediately made a search and located the occupant and removed him.

Flames had already spread to 115 Warren Street and a second-alarm was transmitted. By 8:00 A.M., the fire was spreading quickly and a third-alarm was called for. Soon 113, 115, 111, and 117 Warren St. all had varying amounts of fire damage. A fourth-alarm was sounded.

Three elevated master streams and multiple hand lines were operating. Flames broke through the roof of 113 and 115 Warren St. Members worked interior on 111 and 117 Warren St. Slowly, the intensity of the fire diminished as the roofs of the two main fire buildings burned off. With no further fire spread the fire was placed under control at about 12:30 P.M. Units remained on the scene for an extended time.

One firefighter was injured and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The condition of the resident rescued is unknown. Early reports of an unaccounted resident appears unfounded. Twenty nine residents were left homeless. The Red Cross was assisting. The PFD and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the cause.