New Jersey

Mother, Children Jump From Window To Escape 4-Alarm Blaze in Paterson: Officials

A mother and her two children were forced to jump from a second-story window Friday morning as a quick-moving blaze ripped through at least three rowhouses, destroying two, in New Jersey, fire officials say.

The blaze broke out at about 3 a.m. at a home at East 18th and Ellison streets in Paterson. The fire jumped to at least two other homes as crews worked to get a handle on the four-alarm blaze.

It’s not clear when the mother and children jumped from their home, but all three were taken to the hospital. Their conditions are unknown. A fourth person was also treated for smoke inhalation.

The blaze appeared to be under control by about 7 a.m., but dozens of firefighters remain at the scene.

At the height of the blaze, observers said smoke from the fire was so thick it made breathing difficult.

Officials say that 28 people, including 18 children, from three families were displaced by the blaze.

The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately known.

Contact Us