Tragic House Fire Claims Five Lives in New Jersey

Tragic House Fire Claims Five Lives in New Jersey

Officials say a house fire in Paterson on Halloween night killed five people, including three children.

According to a news release from the Paterson Fire Department, the department was called to 15 Emerson Ave. just before 10 p.m. on Friday in response to a suspected structure fire. Several 911 calls indicating that people were trapped on the top level of the house were received by the department as they were traveling.

October 31st at approximately 9:51 PM, the Paterson Fire Department was dispatched to 15 Emerson Avenue for a reported structure fire. While en route, dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting individuals trapped on the top floor of the residence.

Approximately 4 minutes later, Engine 2 arrived on scene and encountered heavy fire conditions at a wood-frame private residence. Fire companies initiated an aggressive fire attack and conducted searches of the structure. Firefighters located five occupants on the second floor. Tragically, despite all efforts, three children and two adults succumbed to their injuries.

2 firefighters were also transported to St Joes Regional Medial Center by Paterson Fire Department EMS.

The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation.