Massive warehouse fire hits New Jersey
Blaze spreads rapidly as emergency declared
A multi-alarm fire tore through a mattress warehouse in Belleville, New Jersey, igniting a large industrial blaze that prompted local officials to declare a state of emergency. The fire began in the Cortlandt Street area and spread rapidly through the warehouse and adjacent industrial buildings, driven by strong winds and the presence of highly flammable stock. Thick black smoke billowed across the neighborhood and was visible from surrounding towns, prompting warnings to residents to avoid the area, keep windows closed and limit outdoor activity due to hazardous air quality.
Crews from multiple jurisdictions responded as the incident escalated to an 11-alarm assignment, with dozens of firefighters deploying aerial ladders and heavy water streams in attempts to contain the flames. Low water pressure and gusting winds complicated firefighting efforts; embers ignited secondary fires on nearby roofs and several houses sustained flaming embers, according to eyewitnesses. Authorities closed portions of Washington Avenue, reported power outages at Town Hall and the police department, and temporarily diverted 911 calls to neighboring Nutley while emergency operations were under way.
Officials said there were no immediate reports of fatalities, and injury assessments were ongoing as firefighters continued operations into the evening. The mayor and council members posted updates and video from the scene, urging the public to steer clear to allow first responders to work safely. The Belleville Recreation Department noted that nearby community facilities, including Legacy Boxing, were affected.
Investigators plan to examine the cause of the fire once conditions are safe; meanwhile cleanup, structural assessments and air‑quality monitoring were expected to continue in the industrial district. Neighboring municipal leaders advised residents with respiratory problems, infants and the elderly to remain indoors as authorities managed containment and recovery efforts.
