The scene where five people - including three children - were killed in a house fire that occurred on Emerson Avenue in Paterson, NJ on October 31, 2025.
The scene where five people - including three children - were killed in a house fire that occurred on Emerson Avenue in Paterson, NJ around 9:45 p.m. on October 31, 2025.

Five people were killed in a house fire that broke out in Paterson, New Jersey, late Friday night, Oct. 31.

The victims included two adults and three children, all of whom were found on the second floor, Paterson Fire Chief Alejandro Alicea said.

Mayor Andre Sayegh confirmed the victims were two parents and their three children ranging in age from 5 to 13.

"I've been mayor through COVID and other difficult times, but this is one of the most tragic things I've seen," Sayegh said. "The city of Paterson grieves this terrible loss of a family of five."

High winds last night helped it spread very quickly, Sayegh said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

"The fire was under heavy wind condition, which contributed to the rapid spread to the upper floor," Alicea said.

The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of family members.

One fire captain and one firefighter were transported to the hospital for evaluation, the chief said.

John Miller, who lives down the block from the house, said the family lived in the home for more than 10 years. Miller said he helped the family shovel their driveway in winter. They were always grateful for the help.

“They were quiet, kept to themselves,” he said. “It’s absolutely tragic.”

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 5 family members dead in Halloween night house fire

Reporting by Matt Fagan, NorthJersey.com / NorthJersey.com

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