By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters in Paterson battled a raging three-alarm fire late Sunday night that tore through a mixed-use residential and commercial building, destroying businesses on the lower floors.
According to officials, the fire broke out at approximately 11:45 p.m. at 64 Washington Street.
When fire crews arrived, heavy smoke poured from the windows, prompting officials to escalate the response to a second and then third alarm to bring in additional manpower.
As flames ripped through the structure, businesses on the ground level sustained severe damage, while firefighters worked to prevent further destruction.
By 4 a.m., crews had brought the fire under control, but the extent of the damage is still being assessed.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have not reported any injuries at this time.
