Urgent: 5 Dead, Including 3 Children, in Paterson House Fire

UPDATE: A tragic house fire in Paterson, New Jersey has claimed the lives of five people, including three children, on Halloween night. Firefighters rushed to the scene at 9:56 p.m. on Friday, battling a fierce blaze that quickly engulfed a small wood-frame residential structure located at 15 Emerson Ave.

Fire Chief Alex Alicea confirmed that strong winds significantly exacerbated the fire’s spread, reaching the second level of the building where the victims were tragically discovered. The relationships between the deceased individuals remain unclear as officials continue their investigation into the cause of this devastating incident.

As a result of the fire, a total of 11 people have been displaced. The Red Cross is on-site, providing immediate assistance to affected families. Their statement highlighted, “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.” They also expect to assist an additional four people later today.

This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for fire safety awareness, especially during high winds. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, and more details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.

Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story as we monitor the investigation and the community’s recovery efforts.