What About The Clients? –
AUGUST 25, 2019 – “The explosion was really intense,” said Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott. “The barrel went up 300 feet easily, blew the roof off.” Residents and neighbors evacuated the area and no injuries were reported. More than 300 people are seeking shelter, officials said, adding that Red Cross and the Office of Emergency Management are setting up shelters. Authorities also evacuated residents from nearby homes, but the blaze did not spread to adjacent buildings. A demolition crew was on route to the scene Saturday afternoon. Speziale said the building, operated by the Diocese of Paterson, is unsalvageable. “It was just fully engulfed,” he said when firefighters arrived. “The building is completely lost and it’s going to have to come down.” The mayor and Speziale commended fire and police for their commitment and help, noting several neighboring towns responded for mutual aid including Fair Lawn, Pompton Lakes and Glen Rock. “Police have done a tremendous job,” Sayegh said.
