Multiple Warehouses On Fire In Belleville

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Firefighters were battling a massive blaze Sunday afternoon in Belleville, according to the mayor.

The fire began on Cortlandt Street in the industrial warehouse area, according to Mayor Michael Melham, who first posted about the blaze on social media around 3 p.m. and continued to provide updates throughout the afternoon.

"Due to strong winds, the fire has spread to multiple warehouses and has caused additional structure fires several blocks away," Melham posted shortly after 6 p.m.

"We have officially declared a state of emergency and are establishing a command station in the Kmart parking lot."

Videos posted by Melham of the scene show a massive plume of smoke filling the sky as first responders spray the structure with water. Numerous nearby agencies were working to contain the nine-alarm fire, according to the mayor, who noted there were no known civilian injuries.

Melham added he had been in contact with the governor's office and county officials, and said PSEG and the Red Cross were on the scene.

Roads were closed due to the fire, according to Melham.