PASSAIC, NJ - Three families were displaced by a fire that ravaged a multi-family house in Passaic on the afternoon of November 9th.

The fire at 56 Richard Street started just after 1:00 P.M., and apparently originated in the basement before quickly extending to the upper floors. A second-alarm was transmitted, followed by a third-alarm.

Firefighters backed out of the attic so the roof could be vented. Eventually, they evacuated house and went defensive. Master streams from Passaic Ladder 1 and East Rutherford Truck 1 went into operation to knock down the heavy fire in the attic.

The fire was declared under control in about one-and-a-half hours by Battalion Chief Damien Pilipski. Three firefighters sustained minor injuries and two pets were lost, according to Passaic Mayor Hector Carlos Lora said. Mutual aid from Paterson, Clifton, East Rutherford, Rutherford and Wallington assisted on scene.