A devastating house fire on Halloween night claimed the lives of a New Jersey family of five.
Firefighters responded to a blaze at a residence in Paterson, New Jersey, around 9:56pm on Friday, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Paterson Fire Chief Alejandro Alicea, speaking to media outlets such as ABC 7 New York, CBS News New York, and NJ.com, explained that strong winds that evening exacerbated the fire, allowing it to spread to the second level of the home.
The intensity of the flames was severe enough to damage the neighboring property by melting its siding.
Although firefighters managed to bring the fire under control, they discovered five victims on the second floor: a 39-year-old man, a 38-year-old woman, and three children aged 14, 12, and seven.
In an interview with the New York Post, Fire Chief Alicea described the situation: “It started on the first floor. When our first arriving unit got there, they reported heavy fire in the rear of the structure.
“It rapidly extended into the second floor due to the high winds.”
While tackling the blaze, a fire captain and a firefighter were taken to the hospital for treatment, though their conditions remain unknown, Alicea mentioned.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh expressed his sorrow following the tragic event, telling several news outlets, including ABC 7 New York, CBS News New York, and NJ.com: “The city of Paterson is in mourning. We grieve for the family of five that were lost. I’ve been the mayor for seven years, had some very painful moments, particularly during the pandemic, but this tragedy really hurts my heart.”
Community members shared with ABC7 that others in the building attempted to rescue the victims but were hindered by the burning stairs.
A neighbor tried to combat the fire using a garden hose.
The seven survivors of the fire are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross, which is supplying them with temporary housing, food, and clothing.
In a statement to ABC7, the charity said: “Our disaster volunteers were at the scene and assisted three people in two families with emergency assistance to help with temporary lodging, food, clothing, and other immediate needs.
“We expect to provide emergency assistance to an additional four people who requested that we meet with them later today.”