RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (WABC) -- A Rutherford synagogue burned down and collapsed after an intense fire that rained embers down on the neighborhood.

Flames tore through the structure on Montross Avenue just around 2:45 a.m. on Friday.

Firefighters were met by heavy fire upon arrival and they were hampered by live wires down in front of the structure.

The three-story building appeared to collapse within an hour, with firefighters battling hot spots. Three structures were affected by the fire.

The rabbi and his family who lived in the building heard the fire alarm and rushed out with minutes to spare.

"Luckily the rabbi and his family, six members total were the only members in the structure, they were able to get out, but the structure is a complete loss," said Chief John R. Russo, Ru

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