By: Richard L. Smith
A devastating fire tore through a three-story home in Passaic, New Jersey, on Sunday afternoon, displacing more than a dozen residents.
Firefighters responded quickly to multiple 911 calls reporting a fire on Richard Street around 1 p.m.
Upon arrival, crews observed intense flames engulfing the roof of the wood-framed structure and immediately stretched several water lines to combat the blaze.
As the fire rapidly spread, officials escalated the response to a second and third alarm to bring in additional manpower.
Flames quickly extended to nearby homes, forcing firefighters to evacuate the structure as the fire intensified and threatened additional properties.
Crews battled the flames as they spread through the walls and roof of the home, but by approximately 2:25 p.m., firefighters brought the blaze under control.
The American Red Cross provided aid to the three families consisting of 15 residents.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Passaic Fire Department.
