The 4-alarm fire broke out just after 10 p.m. Friday at the factory on 55 Jacobus Avenue in Kearny, under the Pulaski Skyway.
The plant makes chlorine tablets that are used in swimming pools and a major obstacle in fighting the fire was because of the chemical reaction, the fire would reignite after firefighters started to get a handle on the blaze.
The fire was under control by early Saturday morning, but officials had remaining concerns about air quality. Authorities say an initial assessment showed elevated levels of chlorine gas within the building.
The EPA and the New Jersey DEP continue to monitor the air quality in the area. Air contaminants have decreased in the building, and ventilation operations have begun.
"Long term the manufacturer has a cleanup company in and we're in the process now of trying to make a determination if we're gonna make an entry, if it's going to be safe enough to make an entry, and possibly come up with another plan to mitigate, but that's under review by the company owner," Chief Steve Dyl said.
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Bayonne and New York City emergency management officials warned residents to close windows because of the smoke condition.
"Common sense has to prevail, if you're outside and smell smoke, go back inside," Dyl said.
Drivers stuck on the skyway Friday night were helped off the bridge by local authorities.
One driver said he could see the large plume of smoke heading toward Bayonne and Staten Island.
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No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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