Major roads and public schools in Belleville were closed Monday morning as firefighters worked to control a blaze that destroyed a warehouse and spread to other structures.
The multiple-alarm fire was reported around 3 p.m. Sunday in the 300 block of Cortland Street near Joralemon Street in an area known as the Valley section of Belleville.
Blowing smoke was visible for miles and could be seen as far east as the Meadowlands.
Crews were still battling the flames Sunday night and the New Jersey Department of Transportation said firefighting activity continued Monday morning.
No civilian injuries were reported, but at least one firefighter sustained an elbow injury and was taken to a local hospital.
Several others firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and exhaustion, officials said.
Winds that gusted to 40 mph caused the fire to spread to nearby warehouses, sparking additional fires, according to Belleville Mayor Michael Melham.
Melham declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon, saying a command station had been set at a nearby property that was once home to a Kmart.
“At this time, this is believed to be a 9-alarm fire, with numerous surrounding departments actively working to contain it,” Melham said in a Facebook post Sunday night.
Fire in Belleville
Belleville Public Schools were closed Monday, along with major roads near the scene.
“Due to the ongoing fire in our community and its effect on local services, all Belleville Public Schools will be closed,” district officials said in a social media post late Sunday.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation said Route 7 is closed in both directions from north of Holmes Street in Belleville.
North Arlington officials said Monday morning the Route 7 bridge will be closed until further notice. The bridge crosses from Bergen County into Belleville, which is in Essex County.
Fire in Belleville
Belleville Town Hall lost power as a result of the fire, Town Councilman Frank Velez said in a Facebook post, adding that “most township departments will be unable to render services.”
Officials said 911 calls were being handled by authorities in Nutley, the next town over.
Residents with non-emergency matters were asked to contact the Belleville Fire Department at 973-450-3366. Calls will be rerouted accordingly, officials said.
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