65 people displaced after overnight fire in Passaic, New Jersey

An early morning fire has displace 65 residents of a building in Passaic, New Jersey. 

Thankfully, everyone escaped without injury. 

Flames engulfed the building on Hamilton Avenue. As CBS2’s Christine Sloan reports, the fire broke out when so many residents were sleeping. 

The city’s mayor says it’s because firefighters got to the scene so quickly that so many escaped, but it’s going to be a long road back for those who got out with just the clothes on their backs. 

Smoke billowed from the building shortly after 3 a.m. on the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Madison Street. 

“Thank God we have not had a single loss of life,” said Passaic Mayor Hector Lora. 

Officials say the fire broke out on the first floor. Sixty five residents escaped the flames. Lora says that’s thanks to working fire alarms and firefighters from several companies responding quickly. 

“I want to commend the efforts of our firefighters. Because of their heroic efforts and constant work over 65 individuals, even though they’re displaced. They’re alive today— children, family and seniors,” Lora said. “This fire occurred right between our senior building right across the street from our school and right next to a much larger structure that we’ve had to evacuate individuals.”

Right now, the cause of the fire is under investigation. The mayor says they’ve opened City Hall to those who have been displaced and they’re working with the American Red Cross to make sure they have shelter. 

Several streets in the area have been blocked off. That’s especially difficult because the fire happened near a school. 

The mayor says they opened up a brand new school, so some students can attend classes.