People at Paterson's Hinchliffe Stadium for high school graduations fainted as temperatures reached dangerously high levels, the city's public safety director said.

The Paterson Fire Division said about 50 people were treated during the first ceremony at Hinchliffe Stadium, nine of whom were sent to the hospital, reported NBC News and The Guardian. Another 100 people were treated during the second ceremony, seven of whom were sent to the hospital.

Paterson Mayor André Sayegh declared a state of emergency due to the high heat and canceled all recreational activities.