45 left homeless as fire engulfs church, apartment building

PASSAIC, N.J. (AP) - Dozens of people were left homeless but no injuries were reported when a fire destroyed a church and damaged several other buildings in northern New Jersey.

Passaic authorities said the fire isn’t considered suspicious, but they said about 45 people were left homeless by the blaze, which spread to an apartment building.

“It started with a piece of wood next to the church,” resident Mirna Cruz told WABC-TV. “And the church went on fire.”

Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost said the fire spread quickly due to the close proximity of the buildings, which he said had “gasoline siding” that fueled the fire.

At least 12 buildings were evacuated and at least 75 people sought shelter in a nearby church.

The Rev. Juana Perez, who used the building for services as pastor of Church of God Incorporated, said she watched the fire burn until 3 a.m.

“I have 24 years in that job, in that church,” she told NorthJersey.com. “Now I have nothing. It’s terrible.”

Firefighters battled the flames for about three hours until the fire was brought under control.

Perez added she’s grateful no one was hurt.

“It’s devastating because all of their equipment was lost,” Perez said. “Thankfully, no lives (were) lost.”

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Information from: The Record (Woodland Park, N.J.), https://www.northjersey.com