Five Dead in Paterson Halloween House Fire

On Oct. 31, 2025, a fast-moving, wind-whipped house fire tore through 15 Emerson Ave. in Paterson, N.J., killing five people — two adults (39 and 38) and three children (14, 12 and 7) — who were found on the second floor. Fire Chief Alex Alicea said strong winds and frigid temperatures fueled the rapid spread from the lower floor to upper levels, hampering rescue efforts; two firefighters were taken to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center for evaluation. Eleven other residents were displaced and the American Red Cross is assisting with temporary housing, food, clothing and other emergency supplies. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said the city is mourning, and Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said the cause and origin remain under investigation and urged anyone with information to contact the prosecutor’s tips line.