PATERSON, NJ - On July 4th at approximately 4:00 PM, Paterson FD was dispatched to the area of Park Ave on a report of smoke in the area.

Arriving in the area, units noted that the smoke appeared to be further south from that location. Calls were received at Fire Dispatch reporting a fire at 17 Southard St. First arriving units found heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of an occupied 3-story frame dwelling with extension to the similar building next door.

A 2nd alarm was transmitted, bringing additional resources to the scene, followed by a 3rd for manpower and ultimately a 4th due to high heat. Initially, an interior attack was begun, but evacuation tones were sounded which pulled firefighters out and off the roof of the main fire building.

Mutual Aid was called to the scene and also to cover city firehouses. The Passaic County Fire Rehab Unit was on scene to provide refreshments and a cooling station for firefighters. Two firefighters were transported to St. Joseph's Medical Center after minor injuries.