Alarms never sounded as huge Passaic fire left hundreds homeless

Authorities have concluded alarms never sounded Wednesday in the in Passaic apartment building where an 8-alarm blaze left hundreds of people homeless.

Keith Furlong, a spokesman for Passaic County, said in an email late Friday no alarm system activated before or during the fire. His message didn't make it clear if authorities know yet why that's the case.

Passaic last inspected the building in July due to a water leak that interfered with the alarm system, he said. The alarm system was repaired by a private company and tested, and the violation was corrected, he said.

The investigation of the fire continues, but Furlong said preliminary findings point to it being accidental in nature.

Furlong said the location of the fire, including a small loft space, led the fire to spread rapidly.

Authorities have said the fire began just after 9 p.m. in a multi-story building at 280 Gregory Ave, consuming the top floors. Part of the roof collapsed. No one was killed but three firefighters were hospitalized — including one for burns and another for injuries sustained during the roof collapse

Furlong said Friday all three firefighters have been treated and are in good condition, recuperating at home.

He also advised precautions when engaging with fundraising groups working to help local families: To ensure that an organization or a professional fundraiser soliciting you is properly registered, search the Directory of Registered Charities or call our Charitable Registration Hotline at 973-504-6215 from 9 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Anyone interested in helping in these efforts or wanting to support the Passaic community's efforts by making donations can contact mayor’s office at 973-365-5512. Authorities are accepting donations by check that will be distributed directly and fairly to all those impacted by these events, Furlong said. Checks should be payable to "City of Passaic / Fire Victims, 280 Gregory Avenue."