There were 10 families who lived in the building, the Red Cross said.
PATERSON-- A fire that caused a Main Street apartment building to collapse displaced 53 people, according the Red Cross.
The organization tweeted that it was currently helping 10 families with emergency assistance with the fire, which an official said began very early Saturday morning.
Responded to a #fire in #Paterson, helping 10 families (53 people) with emergency assistance for temp lodging, food & clothing.
-- Red Cross New Jersey (@NJRedCross) February 13, 2016
The fire started around 1 a.m., Paterson Deputy Fire Chief Pablo Del Valle said Saturday morning. Both he, and officials at the scene, could not immediately provide more information.
North Jersey apartment building collapses after fire (PHOTOS)
The fire department could not be reached Saturday afternoon for more information. Paterson's police director has not yet responded to an inquiry about the fire.
Saturday morning, PSE&G and emergency responders were at the cold scene of the collapse, at 477 Main Street. The wreckage was next to Care Plus Medical Associates and across from Last Stop Appliance.
Firefighters poured water on the charred remains of the building, which were covered in icicles.
Laura Herzog may be reached at lherzog@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LauraHerzogL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.