PASSAIC, NJ - An overnight fire destroyed a mixed-use building in Passaic in the early morning hours of October 14th.

Shortly before 2:00 A.M., companies were dispatched to 64 Hamilton Ave. on a reported structure fire. As first due companies arrived in the neighborhood, they reported a heavy smoke condition in the area. Due to light rain, the smoke was laying low. A working fire was transmitted, followed shortly after by a second-alarm.

Companies reported fire in a rear apartment. The fire rapidly extended through the second floor to the third floor and cockloft, and also spread to the grocery store on the corner. As interior crews reported that conditions were worsening, a third-alarm was struck and firefighters were forced to evacuate the fire building and begin exterior defensive operations as fire vented through the roof. Master streams from Passaic Ladders 1 and 2, along with Paterson and East Rutherford tower ladders operated. During exterior operations a collapse of the roof and wall of the building occurred.

The fire was initially fueled by gas-fed flames from a first-floor apartment, officials said. No injuries were reported, but 65 residents were displaced according to Mayor Hector Carlos Lora. The fire was knocked down some three hours later.

Mutual aid assisting on the scene came from Paterson, Clifton, Wallington, Carlstadt, Rutherford and East Rutherford. The American Red Cross was assisting the displaced residents.