Photo By Bill Tompkins

On Aug. 11, a three-alarm fire swept through three homes and displaced many residents in Paterson, N.J. At about 0400 HRS, the Paterson Fire Department dispatched a full first alarm assignment to 71 Garfield Ave. for a report of a structure fire.

First-due Engine 4 arrived to find heavy fire in the rear of a three-story frame with extension to 73 Garfield Ave., a 2 ½-story frame. The Battalion arrived moments later and immediately transmitted a second alarm. Residents were evacuated and lines stretched as the fire began to extend to D-2 exposure. A third alarm was then struck. Firefighters used an aggressive attack to keep damage to a minimum in the D-2 building, and they quickly had most of the fire darkened down except for the attic area of exposure D. A ladder pipe was put into operation along with handlines and darkened down that fire quickly. Firefighters gained control of the fire in less than two hours. There were no serious injuries reported.