Paterson Fire: Investigators Eye Arson After Blaze Destroys Businesses and Apartments

Fire Devastates Paterson Community

• 🔥 A major fire broke out early this morning on McBride Street in Paterson, New Jersey, resulting in a total loss of two businesses and several apartments.
• ⚠️ Investigators are currently looking into arson as a possible cause, with speculation that squatters or homeless individuals may have started the blaze.

Injuries and Rescues

• 🩹 Four people were injured, including a Fire Battalion Chief, but fortunately, all injuries are not serious and they are reported as stable.
• 🚒 The Battalion Chief was injured during a building collapse at the rear of the structure, while others suffered from smoke inhalation.
• 🏃 Some residents on the second floor were forced to jump from windows to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

Business Impact and Community Resilience

• 🏢 Among the damaged businesses was Urban Gardens, an owner who lost approximately $200,000 worth of cannabis CBD products and equipment.
• 💪 Despite the devastation, the owner expressed a deep passion for Paterson and a commitment to rebuild.
• 🏠 Residents were allowed to briefly enter apartments to salvage belongings, but the buildings are considered a total loss.

Ongoing Investigation

• 🔍 The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
• 🚧 A barricade has been set up to keep unauthorized individuals out of the scene.