Anthony G. Attrino
nj.com
(TNS)
Four people were rescued by firefighters Sunday night and three first-responders were hurt in Passaic County as a blaze burned through several homes, authorities said.
The fire was reported about 9 p.m. in a home on High Street near State Route 21 in the City of Passaic, according to city Mayor Hector Lora.
“Three of the homes are connected, which, along with last night’s weather conditions, made it more difficult to fight,” Lora said.
The flames quickly spread to four homes and 27 residents from nine families were displaced. They are receiving assistance from the New Jersey Red Cross, Lora said.
“Three firefighters were taken to the hospital, two with heat exhaustion and one with a shoulder injury,” the mayor said.
Two of the injured firefighters were from the Passaic Fire Department and one was from the Carlstadt Fire Department, Lora said.
A pet dog died from apparent smoke inhalation inside one of the homes, but no injuries to residents were reported, Lora said.
“Unfortunately the pet passed away. I was with the family last night and it was very difficult for them,” Lora said.
“But four individuals were rescued out of the fire and are alive as a direct result of the heroic and quick response of our amazing firefighters from Passaic and Bergen County,” Lora said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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