Fires at night are 50% more deadly than those in the day, the National Fire Protection Association says. On Halloween in Paterson, this became a harsh reality. A small Cape Cod-style home in New Jersey turned from quiet to chaos, and a family never escaped.
Neighbors in Paterson saw a Halloween house on fire become the night’s most remembered event. The fire started just before 10 p.m. and spread quickly. Two adults and three children lost their lives. Seven others lost their home.
This is more than a headline in New Jersey news. It’s a story of speed, heat, and narrow exits. A fire in NJ can overwhelm a house in minutes. The Paterson Fire Department, Paterson Police, and county investigators are working to understand what happened.
As more details come out, the focus is on what happened inside that Hillcrest home. Why was escape so hard? The answers are important for every block in New Jersey. Families trust that a quiet night will stay quiet. But one spark can change everything.
What happened on Halloween night in Paterson’s Hillcrest section
On Halloween night, kids were trick-or-treating in new jersey paterson. Suddenly, a fire broke out in the Hillcrest neighborhood. Neighbors saw the fire spread fast and smoke fill the air. This quickly became a big story in new jersey news and prompted many 911 calls.
Location: 15 Emerson Avenue near the Totowa border
The fire started at 15 Emerson Avenue, a Cape Cod home near Totowa. This area is known for its neat lawns and friendly community. The location made the smoke visible across patterson new jersey.
| Detail | Specifics | Neighborhood Context |
|---|---|---|
| Street | Emerson Avenue | Hillcrest, near Totowa border |
| Home style | Cape Cod | Well-kept single-family streetscape |
| Approx. size | 1,300 square feet | Compact footprint with rear access |
| Occupancy | Two families, divided into two units | Second-floor apartment relied on a rear staircase |
Timeframe: just before 10 p.m. Friday on Halloween night
The fire happened just before 10 p.m. on Halloween night. Porch lights were on, and kids were in costumes. In new jersey paterson, this time usually means families are heading home. But on this night, it meant sirens and updates across patterson new jersey.
Initial reports from Paterson Fire Chief Alex Alicea
Paterson Fire Chief Alex Alicea said the fire started in the rear of the first floor. He’s working to find out if it started inside or outside. The house had two families and a second-floor unit with only one exit at the back. These details, shared in official reporting, highlighted the danger that night in emerson nj.
Confirmed victims and identities from authorities
Officials in Passaic County have released the names and ages of the victims. The fire in New Jersey took five lives on a family of 5 Halloween. This news has drawn wide attention across new jersey news.
Adults identified: Raid Abuhadbeh, 39, and his wife, Yesenia, 38
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office identified the adults as Raid Abuhadbeh, 39, and his wife, Yesenia, 38. Relatives said Abuhadbeh was a Palestinian American, born in New Jersey, and worked as a butcher.
Mayor Andre Sayegh noted that the father was Palestinian. Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz said the victims were his cousin’s family. The loss has gripped Passaic County as new jersey news outlets followed the fire closely.
Children’s ages: 14, 12, and 7; names withheld by officials
Three children—ages 14, 12, and 7—also died in the fire. Authorities withheld their names due to their ages and privacy concerns.
The announcement added to the shock. A family of 5 Halloween gathering turned into a deadly fire in New Jersey. This news resonated beyond Passaic County.
Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office statements
Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes confirmed the family makeup. She noted preliminary findings about the blaze. The office said the fire appeared to start toward the rear of the home, with details yet to be reviewed.
These updates are part of ongoing new jersey news coverage. Investigators are piecing together how the fire spread and what happened next.
| Authority | Key Confirmation | Relevance to Case | County/Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office | Identified the adults and confirmed children’s ages | Establishes official victim identities | Passaic County |
| Camelia M. Valdes | Preliminary note on fire origin at rear of home | Frames early investigative focus | Countywide investigation |
| Mayor Andre Sayegh | Noted the father’s Palestinian background | Adds verified personal context | Paterson, Passaic County |
| Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz | Stated the victims were his cousin’s family | Confirms family ties and community impact | State and local relevance in new jersey news |
How the blaze started and spread, according to investigators
Paterson Fire Department investigators have a clear timeline. It matches what neighbors saw and new jersey news updates. They say the fire grew fast, causing quick calls and alerts across New Jersey.
Origin in the rear of the first floor; exact point is under investigation
Chief Alex Alicea says the fire started in the first floor’s rear before 10 p.m. The exact spot, inside or outside, is being closely looked at. Early smoke in the backyard matches the first reports of the fire in Passaic NJ.
Rear staircase area and rapid escalation
Neighbors saw flames near the back stairwell to the upper unit. The wind pushed heat and embers up, quickly. This fast spread is common in New Jersey’s wind-driven fires.
One egress to the second floor complicating escape
The second floor had only one staircase for exit, right in the fire’s path. As the heat grew, smoke and then fire blocked the way. This made escaping very hard, as seen in many New Jersey fires.
| Factor | Observed Detail | Impact on Spread | Relevance to Passaic NJ Fire Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspected Origin Zone | Rear of first floor, near backyard | Early exterior and void-space involvement | Aligns with neighbor accounts and dispatch notes |
| Vertical Pathway | Rear staircase to second-floor unit | Chimney effect accelerated heat and smoke | Frequently cited mechanism in new jersey news briefs |
| Wind Influence | Gusts pushing flame toward stairwell | Rapid extension to upper level | Common theme across fire in new jersey today coverage |
| Egress Availability | Single rear exit for upper residents | Escape options narrowed within minutes | Key safety issue noted in passaic nj fire discussions |
| Visibility | Heavy smoke in stairwell voids | Obstructed orientation and movement | Echoed by first-arriving crews and neighbors |
Officials continue to review camera footage, witness timelines, and burn patterns to refine the sequence of events.
On-scene challenges for Paterson firefighters and police
Responders quickly moved through smoke and heat in new jersey paterson. But, the house design and wind made the fire hard to fight. Crews worked at the curb and roof while the paterson police secured the area.
Compartmentalized layout and lack of a front entrance to the second-floor unit
Chief Alex Alicea said the interior was tight and chopped up. This slowed down hose lines and searches. The home was divided into two apartments and had no front entrance to the second floor.
This forced teams to circle around for access under heavy smoke. Limited entry made things tough at the fire’s peak. Crews had to use ladders and rear paths while tools and air supply were running low.
Wind-fueled conditions and roof ventilation efforts
Gusts pushed heat along hallways and up the rear staircase. This made visibility go from dim to zero. Firefighters cut the roof to vent, punching channels to release heat and smoke.
This allowed interior teams to move forward. Neighbors saw sparks as saws opened the deck. Even with ventilation, wind-driven flame kept pressure high on the second floor.
Coordination with Paterson Police and Passaic County authorities
Command posts kept radio traffic flowing as paterson police closed streets. They guided residents away from hazards. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the passaic police department worked together after the knockdown.
They planned next steps for cause review and code compliance. Units from multiple companies rotated through rehab and rotations. Investigators logged timelines across new jersey paterson to track the fire’s progress and response actions.
Eyewitness accounts from neighbors on Emerson Avenue
Neighbors on Emerson Avenue described a night that looked bright but felt muted. They talked about a halloween house on fire that turned the block into a blur of red and blue. For many following new jersey news, the scene explained the headlines about the fire last night without a word.
“Eerily silent” scene with flashing sirens and roof operations
Kasey Alarcon-Borowic said the street felt “eerily silent,” even as sirens strobed off the homes. Crews worked the roof while the fire pushed heat into the wind. The moment’s weight carried farther than the noise, a detail that spread quickly through new jersey news updates.
Attempts to warn and rescue, blocked by flames on the staircase
Next-door neighbor Fatima Ali said her children smelled smoke, then saw it in the backyard. She ran to alert the first-floor family, who escaped with two babies. Ali’s nephew tried to reach the second floor, but flames on the rear staircase cut him off as the halloween house on fire intensified in gusts.
Trick-or-treaters in the area reacting to the emergency
Long-time resident Linda Damian recalled trick-or-treaters crying as engines rolled in. Candy bags dropped on sidewalks while families pulled back from the block. The fire last night turned a festive route into a rush to clear the street, a moment many will remember across new jersey news feeds.
| Witness | Location | Key Observation | Impact Noted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasey Alarcon-Borowic | Emerson Avenue curbside | “Eerily silent” street despite flashing lights and roof operations | Sense of scale conveyed by lights more than sound during the fire |
| Fatima Ali | Next door, backyard view | Smelled smoke, warned first-floor family; nephew blocked by rear-stair flames | First-floor escape with two babies; access to second floor cut off |
| Linda Damian | Hillcrest block near 15 Emerson Avenue | Children screamed as engines arrived during Halloween | Trick-or-treaters fled, marking the halloween house on fire across new jersey news |
Building layout, renovations, and safety questions
Neighbors described a carved-up interior that framed the night’s fire response. In a city often in the new jersey news cycle for complex housing stock, the Hillcrest home raised immediate questions about access, exits, and compartmentalization.
House built in 1950; listed as one-family on Zillow
The house was built in 1950 and listed as a one-family home on Zillow. Residents said it had separate floors that worked as apartments. This setup can change how heat and smoke move during a fire.
This change also affects how crews attack a blaze and how families reach the street under pressure.
City records to determine legality of apartment division
Chief Alex Alicea said city files will clarify whether the split met permits and code. In a place many ask, what county is Paterson NJ in, the answer—Passaic County—also points to which inspectors and ordinances apply. Compliance histories often shape insurance reviews and future enforcement in older homes.
Egress requirements and lessons for multi-unit conversions
Investigators noted a single rear stair served the upper unit, close to where flames took hold. Modern conversions call for two clear exits, illuminated paths, and hard-wired alarms. Those standards, common after large incidents like a central jersey fire, aim to keep escape routes viable when smoke thickens.
| Feature | Typical Code Expectation | Risk When Missing | Relevance to Older Homes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary and secondary egress | Two independent exits per unit | Trapped occupants if one path is blocked | Retrofits may be required during renovations |
| Stair placement | Separated from likely ignition zones | Escape cut off near the seat of a fire | Legacy layouts often place stairs by kitchens or rears |
| Smoke detection | Interconnected, hard-wired with battery backup | Delayed warning and slower evacuation | Upgrades tied to permits and inspections |
| Unit classification | Accurate listing and permits for multi-family use | Ambiguity in inspections and enforcement | Common issue in markets flagged by new jersey news |
| Fire separation | Rated walls/doors between units | Rapid spread beyond origin room | Often absent until formal conversion work |
These factors framed the response and the review that follows, tying the address to broader housing debates beyond what county is Paterson NJ in and into how New Jersey safeguards multifamily living after each central jersey fire headline.
Weather in Paterson, NJ and its role in the blaze
Wind was a big factor on Halloween night. Neighbors and officials said gusts pushed heat and smoke into tight spots. This made the fire spread quickly.
Crews had to adjust fast. With strong winds in Paterson, NJ, firefighters controlled doors to slow the fire. They also thought about cutting roofs to release heat.
When smoke is blown by the wind, it gets harder to see. Temperatures also rise, making it dangerous near exits.
The wind made the fire spread up the rear staircase. Wind-borne embers can jump from room to room. This is why firefighters track the wind closely.
Forecasts help in dense areas. When it’s windy in Passaic, teams use ladders and roofs carefully. They avoid sudden fires.
People can check hourly updates for Passaic, NJ weather before windy nights. Knowing the weather helps families plan escapes and keep exits clear. It also helps them understand how smoke moves.
Community impact: grieving, displacement, and aid
In paterson’s Hillcrest, grief is felt on every porch. The passaic fire that took a family has brought neighbors together. They are sharing meals and checking on children. This event has become a symbol of how a city comes together in times of need.
Residents describe the days following as slow and heavy. Candles light up Emerson Avenue, and conversations stop when sirens sound. People see this as proof of what community means in paterson.
Seven residents displaced; American Red Cross response
Seven people lost their homes in the fire. The American Red Cross provided shelter, meals, clothes, and health services. They are also helping families replace lost IDs and medications.
Neighbors are opening their homes and giving rides. Local churches are collecting toiletries and winter coats. The community continues to rally as new jersey news coverage spreads.
GoFundMe campaign details and fundraising progress
A GoFundMe was started quickly to help the family and those displaced. Donations quickly reached about $22,000. This shows the fast support from friends, coworkers, and local businesses.
Alyssa Quinonez started the campaign. She said the family lost everything in one night. The funds will help with funeral costs, housing, and essentials. The steady donations show paterson’s resilience in times of tragedy.
Hillcrest neighborhood reflections and support networks
Long-time residents remember it as the hardest Halloween. Witnesses like Fatima Ali and Linda Damian shared their shock and urge to help. Their stories are shared in block chats and school groups, building a wider circle of care.
Mutual aid groups now organize food trains, child care, and cleanups. This network, built in past emergencies, grew stronger after the fire. It connects neighbors across streets and faiths, as new jersey news outlets continue to report.
| Community Need | Current Support | Local Coordination | Near-Term Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Shelter | American Red Cross lodging and meals | City OEM and Red Cross caseworkers | Secure stable housing for seven displaced residents |
| Essential Supplies | Clothing, toiletries, and winter gear drives | Hillcrest churches and neighborhood groups | Maintain weekly distribution for 60 days |
| Financial Relief | GoFundMe totaling about $22,000 | Campaign by Alyssa Quinonez; local businesses | Expand funds to offset funeral and rent costs |
| Mental Health Support | Counseling referrals and school outreach | Paterson Public Schools and county partners | Provide grief support for children and families |
Statements from local leaders and connections to state politics
Local leaders spoke out as Paterson, New Jersey, faced a deadly fire. Their words were key in the early news coverage. At the same time, investigators worked with the Paterson Police and county partners.
Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz’s relation to the victims and remarks
Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz, D-35th, said the victims were his cousin’s family. He asked for prayers and later thanked supporters as he balanced grief with his campaign. He identified Raid Abuhadbeh as the father in remarks reported by national and local outlets.
His message focused on community care and respect for the inquiry. He urged patience as the Paterson Police and county detectives processed the scene of the fire.
Mayor Andre Sayegh on the city’s grief
Mayor Andre Sayegh said the city is mourning a mother, father, and three children who were preparing for Halloween. He praised first responders and reminded residents that the cause remains under review.
The mayor framed the loss as a shared wound for Paterson, New Jersey. He pointed residents toward trusted updates in New Jersey news while families gathered to honor the victims.
Coordination with Passaic Police Department and Paterson Police
Officials detailed a joint response guided by the Paterson Police and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. References to the Passaic Police Department signal the wider county network that supports city emergencies.
Investigators continued interviews and evidence reviews. They stressed that all findings on the fire will be released through official channels to avoid confusion.
| Leader | Role | Key Focus | Law-Enforcement Coordination | Status of Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Abdelaziz | Assemblyman, D-35th | Family loss, public gratitude, election context | Backs Paterson Police and county investigators | Under investigation |
| Andre Sayegh | Mayor of Paterson | Citywide mourning, support for responders | Works with Passaic Police Department and prosecutors | Under investigation |
| Paterson Police | City law enforcement | Scene security, evidence collection | With Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office | Under investigation |
| Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office | County authority | Lead investigative oversight | Coordinates with Paterson Police and county units | Under investigation |
Regional context and related New Jersey news coverage
In North Jersey, people want accurate, up-to-date fire reports. The Paterson fire got a lot of attention because of its size and timing. The wind, the changed layout, and the trapped people on the second floor were key points.
Paterson in Passaic County: what county is Paterson NJ in
Paterson is in Passaic County, a common place for news in North Jersey. Knowing this helps people follow local news and updates. County agencies often share early information that shapes how we understand fires.
How this compares to other fire in New Jersey today headlines
Many fires in New Jersey today are known for spreading quickly and happening in crowded areas. But this fire was different. It was on Halloween night, and a family was lost. The fire moved fast and focused on a single exit, unlike usual.
Preferred source mentions including NJ.com reporting
NJ.com reported on the fire’s location near Totowa, the time, and where it started. They also mentioned the building’s age and type. This information helps readers understand the situation and focus on verified facts.
| Aspect | Paterson Incident | Typical North Jersey Fires | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| County | Passaic (what county is paterson nj in) | Varies (Essex, Bergen, Hudson, Passaic) | County lines shape command, resources, and alerts in new jersey news. |
| Timing | Just before 10 p.m. on Halloween | Late night to early morning peaks | Holiday activity complicates response and public awareness. |
| Spread Factors | Wind-driven, rear staircase involvement | Commonly room-to-room, attic or cockloft spread | Wind shifts can turn a localized fire into a fast-moving event. |
| Building Profile | Built 1950; listed as one-family | Mixed ages; frequent multi-family stock | Layout and egress affect escape time and tactics. |
| Reporting Detail | NJ.com emphasized location, time, and origin review | Briefs often summarize without deep layout notes | Granular facts help compare with other fire in new jersey today updates. |
How to help and safety takeaways for New Jersey residents
Neighbors in New Jersey are looking for ways to help after a deadly fire. Support begins at home and grows through trusted groups. These steps show what communities learn from fires and how to prepare for the next one.
Verified donation links and community resources
People can help families through verified donation links, like the GoFundMe set up after the fire. They can also work with the American Red Cross, which helped seven displaced neighbors. Faith centers and school PTOs collect gift cards for immediate needs.
County agencies offer help with housing, mental health, and victim support. For answers, look for official notices from city halls and county offices. Follow advice from the Philadelphia Fire Department and other regional partners.
Home safety: multiple exits, clear stairways, and smoke alarms
Every upper-floor unit needs more than one exit. Keep stairs and landings clear of combustibles. Even small piles can fuel a fire fast.
Install smoke alarms on every level, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly, replace batteries twice a year, and change units every 10 years. Add a carbon monoxide alarm and consider photoelectric sensors for better smoldering flame detection.
Staying alert to “fire last night” and “fire in NJ” alerts
Sign up for municipal text alerts, county reverse-911, and local news push notifications. Real-time updates help avoid active scenes, clear roads, and learn safety tips.
Follow updates from neighboring departments for training notes and seasonal warnings. During windy and dry weather, quick alerts can prompt families to review plans and reduce hazards.
Conclusion
The Halloween night fire in Paterson was devastating. It took the lives of Raid Abuhadbeh, his wife Yesenia, and their three children. This family of five lost their lives on Emerson Avenue.
Experts say the fire started near the rear of the first floor. The wind pushed the flames quickly. With no front entrance to the second floor, escaping was extremely difficult.
Seven other residents managed to escape and received help from the American Red Cross. A GoFundMe campaign brought the community together. Paterson is mourning, but also finding ways to support each other.
Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz and Mayor Andre Sayegh spoke about the city’s pain and determination. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating. NJ.com’s coverage helped keep readers informed about this tragic event.
Safety lessons are clear. Homes need clear exits, working smoke alarms, and safe layouts. Weather in North Jersey can make fires spread fast. Families should plan escape routes, keep stairs clear, and stay updated on local fire news.
Paterson is now focusing on relief and prevention. The community is working to make housing safer. They are also preparing for emergencies and supporting those affected.
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