PATERSON, NJ - May 2nd is turning out to be a memorable day for Paterson firefighters.

After battling a three-alarm fire shortly after dawn, at about 5:00 P.M., units were dispatched to 85 Temple Street just over a block away from Northside Firehouse after being alerted to the fire by a citizen that rang the firehouse door bell. Companies arrived quickly and faced a large two-and-a-half story multi-family frame dwelling with a working basement fire. A similar exposure building was less than three-feet away. A second-alarm was transmitted as flames broke through the rear of the fire building and extended to the exposure. A third-alarm was sounded as heavy fire took possession of the rear of both buildings.

Two elevated master streams, one deck gun and numerous handlines were put into operation to stop the spread of the flames. A fourth-alarm was transmitted for manpower purposes. The heavy fire was knocked down by 7:00 P.M., but operations remained defensive due to the stability of the buildings.

One firefighter and one resident were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. About 24 residents were left homeless. All were being assisted by the Red Cross. The cause is under investigation.