PATERSON, NJ - A three alarm fire lit up the morning sky in Paterson on March 14^th, leaving a PFD officer injured and multiple families homeless.

Shortly after 6:00 AM, both the Paterson and West Paterson FDs were dispatched to 482 Mc Bride Ave. at the border of the two municipalities for multiple reports of a fire. On arrival, the rear of a two-story brick OMD was heavily involved with residents jumping from the second-floor. A second-alarm was transmitted as flames took possession of both floors and threatened the exposure. A Battalion Chief in the rear was injured as part of the building’s rear porches collapsed. He was removed, treated, and transported to Saint Joe’s Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. 

All members were withdrawn from the building as two tower ladders were set up along with several handlines. Extension to the “D” exposure was knocked down. A third-alarm was sounded as companies reentered for extensive overhaul. The fire was placed under control at 7:30 AM. Several residents were also transported with injuries. The cause is under investigation.