Paterson firefighters were able to contain a raging 4 alarm fire that left 29 residents homeless from possibly spreading to numerous additional homes on September 19th.

On arrival at 86 Redwood Ave. shortly before 4:00 AM, heavy fire was involving the rear of the large two story duplex home from the first floor to above the roof. The fire had entered on all floors and attic. A garage in the rear was well involved and flames had extended to the exposure “B” home. Deputy Chief Calamita transmitted a second alarm on arrival and a third alarm within 10 minutes. Firefighters attempted an interior attack on the original fire building, but rapidly deteriorating conditions forced them outside for an exterior attack. A fourth alarm was called for as fire spread to a home on Jasper Street in the rear.

Two tower ladders, two deck guns, several ground monitors, and multiple hand lines were put into operation. The multiple streams had the heavy fire knocked down in about a half hour, but pockets of fire remained. By about 6:30 the fire was able to be placed under control and units began to be released. The original fire building, the exposure building, and a garage in the rear were destroyed. The home on Jasper Street and the exposure “2A” building suffered less significant damage. There were no initial reports of injuries or a cause. The Passaic County Prosecutors Office and fire investigators were called to the scene. Clifton, Passaic and Woodland Park provided mutual aid at the scene.