Featured Image Credit: YouTube/abc7NY
Topics: US News
Callum Jones
A family of five from New Jersey have tragically died after a house fire broke out on Halloween (October 31).
At roughly 9:56pm on Friday, firefighters arrived at a house in Paterson, New Jersey, to reports of a blaze, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has said.
Paterson Fire Chief Alejandro Alicea told the press, including ABC 7 New York, CBS News New York and NJ.com that strong winds on Halloween night had contributed to the scale of the blaze, which saw the fire reach the second level of the home.
The flames were so intense that the blaze reached the home next door by melting the siding of the nearby dwelling.
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Firefighters were able to get the fire under control, but tragically, five victims: a 39-year-old male, a 38-year-old female and children ages 14, 12 and seven - were found on the second floor of the property.
Speaking to the New York Post, Fire Chief Alicea said: "It started on the first floor. “When our first arriving unit got there, they reported heavy fire in the rear of the structure.
“It rapidly extended into the second floor due to the high winds.”
As a result of tackling the blaze, one fire captain and one firefighter were transported to hospital for treatment, Alicea added. Their condition remains unclear at this time.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh issued an emotional statement in the aftermath of the fire, telling various outlets, including ABC 7 New York, CBS News New York and NJ.com: "The city of Paterson is in mourning. We grieve for the family of five that were lost. I’ve been the mayor for seven years, had some very painful moments, particularly during the pandemic, but this tragedy really hurts my heart."
Those in the local community told ABC7 that others in the shared residence tried to save the victims but were unable to help as the stairs were ablaze.
Meanwhile, one neighbor used a garden hose in an attempt to suppress the fire.
The American Red Cross is now assisting the seven survivors of the fire by providing them with temporary housing, food and new clothes.
The charity said in a statement to ABC7: "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.
"We expect to provide emergency assistance to an additional four people who requested that we meet with them later today."