Belleville, NJ schools closed as firefighters battle massive warehouse fire
BELLEVILLE, New Jersey (WABC) -- Belleville Mayor Michael Melham declared a State of Emergency amid a massive warehouse fire that ignited on Sunday afternoon, and public schools in the area are closed Monday as the fire continues to rage.
The industrial building housed a mattress warehouse as well as a textile manufacturing business.
Strong winds pushed the flames from the warehouse off Cortlandt Street in Belleville to multiple nearby buildings, forcing families from their homes. Thick black smoke filled the sky and was visible for miles.
Firefighters from multiple communities have been battling this fire and they were dealing with low water pressure yesterday. Wind is also fueling the 11-alarm blaze.
"I was working out, and I look out the window at the gym. I saw smoke covering everything, going basically going all over the place. I figured something was on fire and it just started growing and growing, it just kept growing," said witness Jonathan McCann.
"I have to leave my house because it's going to be dangerous. They don't have a lot of water for finishing this fire," said Jeff Oliver, who was evacuated from his home.
Power has been shut off in the area, and officials are urging people to avoid the area and the fumes nearer the fire.
"Chemicals such as helium have been mentioned and that could contribute to the fire and the blaze and how extreme it's been," said Belleville Township Councilman Frank Velez.
If you live nearby, keep windows closed, and use an air purifier if you have one.
"Your health is first and we don't want anybody to get caught in a place where they don't need to be and exposed to more smoke than we need to," Velez added.
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