An early morning fire sent three police officers and a resident to the hospital after a fire broke out in a two-family home in the city.
Firefighters responded to the 1800 block of Paterson Street for a report of a house fire shortly after 4 a.m. officials said.
Arriving crews encountered heavy flames that quickly tore through 1839 Paterson Street ultimately spreading to the attic of the neighboring home.
A total of five people -which included three police officers- suffered smoke inhalation. A fourth officer and a resident was transported to the hospital suffering burns.
According to officials, the fire destroyed two homes and displaced 12 people.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing but officials believe the fire is accidental.