Schools remain closed in Belleville as massive warehouse fire smolders
BELLEVILLE, New Jersey (WABC) -- Belleville Public Schools are still closed today as an immense warehouse fire that began Sunday continues to smolder.
While what remains of the fire is under control, the burned area has been devastated, and there are concerns about chemicals released in the smoke and flames.
"Due to recent developments and updated guidance from emergency services, the local public school system will remain closed," officials said.
The colossal fire destroyed a city block and led to closures in the area as the mayor declared a state of emergency.
New surveillance video shows what appears to be the moment the fire started.
In the video, a man inside of the warehouse notices the flames. He runs over and tries to get it under control, but the fire starts rapidly spreading.
The fire spread from the mattress warehouse to a warehouse filled with cardboard on Sunday around 2:30 p.m.
This fire ultimately reached 12 to 14 alarms, according to the mayor, and two homes nearby also caught on fire.
The Red Cross is assisting those families.
If you're in the area, keep in mind there will be road closures.
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