A fire on North First Street in Paterson claimed the life of a 30-year-old man Saturday, and sent nearly a dozen people to the hospital.

The victim was identified as Andres Valdez. His family said he and his wife had to jump from a second-story window to escape the three-alarm fire.

A spokesperson for St. Joseph's Medical Center said the hospital received 11 patients from the fire. Paterson's Fire Chief Brian McDermott called it a “sad day” for the fire department and the city of Paterson.

The flames began around 1:30 p.m. and were brought under control at approximately 4 p.m.

Chief McDermott said the department is working with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office to determine the cause of the blaze. He said two firefighters were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation but will be OK.