PATERSON, NJ - A three-alarm fire consumed a home and damaged three others in Paterson on April 25th. The 9-1-1 center began receiving numerous phone calls at about 12:30 A.M. for a fire at 49 William Street.

Police confirmed a working fire and asked the FD to “step it up”. Fire units arrived and the Deputy Chief transmitted that he could not give a proper size-up due to the heavy volume of fire. The original fire building was a one-and-a-half story frame dwelling, but was now fully involved and starting to collapse. A second-alarm was immediately transmitted. Flames easily spread to the 'B' exposure, a large three-and-a-half story frame OMD. The fire traveled up the outside and took possession of the attic. A third-alarm was sounded as members worked to contain the flames.

Initial reports of people trapped proved unfounded. Three elevated master streams and multiple handlines were put into operation to hold the flames in check. The original fire building collapsed into a pile of burnt wood. Firefighters worked inside the 'B' exposure and knocked down the fire in the attic. The 'D' exposure was a concern, but damage was only melted siding. By 2:00 A.M., of the visible fire was extinguished. A small gas fed fire continued to burn until PSE&G was able to turn off the supply.

No serious injuries were reported. PFD investigators, as well as the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office worked to determine a cause.