Paterson, NJ - A fire that escalated to four alarms destroyed a vacant home on the morning of June 12th, but firefighters were able to keep most of the damage to the original building.

A large black column of smoke was seen from a distance as fire units responded to 149 Fair St. at about 9:00 A.M. Heavy fire was venting out all openings on the second floor and through the roof of the vacant two-and-a-half story frame dwelling on arrival. The aluminum siding on the exposure 'B' building was being scorched and the vinyl siding and a plastic fence were melting on the exposure 'D' structure.

A second-alarm and then a third-alarm were transmitted as two elevated master streams and multiple handlines were put into operation. Smoke began to issue from the roof line of the 'B' exposure, but members quickly opened up and halted any extension.

Within about 90 minutes, most of the visible fire was knocked down. A fourth-alarm was called for, bringing mutual aid to the scene as the temperatures reached into the 80’s. Demolition was called to the scene to take down what was left of the house. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for a minor foot injury. No other injuries were reported.