This image from video provided by Mikey B shows a fire near a chemical plant in New Jersey, Friday, January 14, 2022 in Passaic, NJ
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This image from video provided by Mikey B shows a fire near a chemical plant in New Jersey, Friday, January 14, 2022 in Passaic, NJ
AP
PASSAIC, NJ – A fire near a chemical plant in New Jersey with flames and smoke visible for miles in the night sky spread to multiple buildings in the complex Friday, threatening the area the plant’s chemical storage, authorities said.
Passaic Mayor Hector Lora told residents in a video posted on Facebook to stay away from the area and close their windows.
Lora said firefighters were still assessing the situation. There were no initial reports of loss of life, he said.
Passaic Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost said the building was vacant when the fire broke out.
“Part of the building already has chlorine and that appears to be under control at this point,” he said shortly after midnight. “We’ll be monitoring that throughout the night but we’re certainly a long way from getting the fire under control.”
The New York City Department of Emergency Management sent out a notice Friday night saying that residents could see or smell smoke from the fire.
Factory Qualco Inc. about 13 miles (21 km) west of Manhattan. It produces chemicals used to treat pools and spas, according to its website. It sits next to Majestic Industries, a designer and manufacturer of hotel and gaming furniture, Lora said.
It is unclear where the fire originated or how it started.
The Environmental Protection Agency was on the scene to assess the air quality, Lora said.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy tweeted about the fire, calling for people living near it to close their windows.
“We urge everyone in Passaic to stay safe as firefighters battle a massive eight-alarm fire at a chemical plant off 21st Street,” Murphy wrote. “Praying for the safety of our first responders at the scene.”
