Two Overnight Fires in Paterson Displace 24 Residents; Firefighter Injured, Suspect Arrested in Separate Blaze

Paterson fire chief reports multiple incidents, including a three-alarm apartment fire and a separate blaze tied to a stabbing

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Two major overnight incidents in Paterson, New Jersey, including a three-alarm apartment fire and a separate blaze tied to a stabbing, displaced more than two dozen residents, injured a firefighter, and led to one arrest, according to Paterson Fire Chief Alex Alicea.

Why it matters

The incidents highlight the challenges Paterson's first responders face in dealing with multiple emergencies, including fires and violent crimes, and the impact these events can have on the local community.

The details

The first incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on March 1, when the Paterson Fire Department responded to a three-story wood-frame apartment building at 303 Getty Ave. for a reported structure fire. Firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions originating on the second floor, and the blaze rapidly intensified, escalating to a third alarm. Despite aggressive suppression efforts, the building sustained catastrophic damage and has been deemed a total loss. A neighboring structure at 307 Getty Ave. also suffered water and heat damage. One Paterson firefighter was injured after being struck by falling debris while entering the building. The second incident occurred around 12:01 a.m., when firefighters responded to a 1½-story wood-frame home at 192 Berkshire Ave. Preliminary information indicates the blaze may have been intentionally set by an emotionally disturbed individual who had barricaded himself inside the residence. Authorities said the suspect is believed to have stabbed two individuals prior to setting the fire. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspect was taken into custody by the Paterson Police Department.

  • At approximately 11:30 p.m. on March 1, the Paterson Fire Department responded to 303 Getty Ave. for a reported structure fire.
  • Roughly 30 minutes later, at approximately 12:01 a.m., firefighters responded to a second incident at 192 Berkshire Ave.

The players

Alex Alicea

Paterson Fire Chief.

Paterson Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the two overnight incidents in Paterson.

Paterson Police Department

The police department that took the suspect into custody in the second incident.

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What they’re saying

“Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”

— Fire officials (tapinto.net)

The takeaway

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Paterson's first responders, who must be prepared to handle a wide range of emergencies, from fires to violent crimes, in order to protect the safety and well-being of the local community.