Firefighters Battling Fire Involving At Least 5 Structures In Passaic

PASSAIC, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Firefighters are on the scene of a massive five-alarm fire in Passaic, New Jersey Sunday night.

As CBS2's Valerie Castro reported, the fire began at a church around 9:30 p.m. and quickly spread to several structures, including an apartment building. It remains unclear if that apartment building was occupied at the time.

So far there have been no reports of injuries.

As many as 70 people have been displaced from the fire, 35 of which, officials believe, may be displaced permanently, Castro reported.

Mayor Alex Blanco told Castro this could be one of the city's worst fires in recent history.

"It was a terrifying scene, nightmarish," Blanco said. "Flames all over. It spread quickly, affecting five structures. It's probably going to be characterized as one of the biggest fires here."

Those being evacuated are being directed to nearby St. Nicholas Church.

As of 11:30 p.m. Sunday the fire was under control but not completely out, Castro reported.

There is no word yet on how the fire started.

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