BELLEVILLE, NJ — A catastrophic industrial fire has plunged the township of Belleville into a State of Emergency. What began as a warehouse fire on Sunday evening quickly escalated into a massive 11-alarm inferno, fueled by high winds that sent burning embers flying into residential neighborhoods.
The fire, which originated in the city’s Valley section, has crippled local infrastructure, knocking out power to Town Hall and the Police Department, and forcing the rerouting of emergency services.
How the Inferno Started
According to city officials, the blaze broke out at a mattress warehouse located on Cortland Street near Joralemon Street. The highly flammable material inside the facility provided immediate fuel, allowing the flames to intensify before first responders could contain the initial breakout.
Mayor Michael Melham confirmed that strong, gusty winds acted as a secondary catalyst. The winds carried the fire across multiple industrial buildings and, more alarmingly, several blocks away into residential zones.
“Embers Falling on Houses”
The situation turned dire as residents in the Valley section reported “fireballs” and glowing embers landing on their properties. One local resident described the scene to reporters, stating that multiple houses on nearby blocks caught fire after embers ignited their roofs.
“There’s houses over here that got embers on them,” a neighbor told NBC New York. “On the burning roof, embers are going on the peoples’ property. And like two or three houses on that block caught on fire.”
Massive Mutual Aid Response
The scale of the disaster required an unprecedented 11-alarm assignment. Fire crews from several neighboring counties—including Essex, Hudson, and Passaic—rushed to the scene to assist Belleville’s weary first responders.
Despite the overwhelming response, the fire caused a total power failure at the Belleville Town Hall and Police Department. As a result, 911 emergency calls for Belleville are currently being handled and dispatched by the neighboring Nutley Police Department.
Closures and Public Health Warnings
Mayor Melham has warned that Washington Avenue will remain closed indefinitely as crews continue to battle hotspots and assess structural damage.
City Councilman Frank Velez III took to social media to urge residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed. “I cannot stress enough how thick and unhealthy breathing this smoke can be. Please use caution,” Velez warned, citing the toxic nature of the smoke produced by the burning industrial materials and mattresses.
Current Status
As of late Sunday night, there have been no immediate reports of injuries, a fact many are calling a miracle given the density of the area. However, the “State of Emergency” remains in effect as officials monitor the drifting smoke and the stability of the charred warehouse structures.
Are you in the Valley section or near Washington Ave? Did you witness the fire or have you been affected by the power outages? Share your updates, photos, and safety tips in the comments below to keep your neighbors informed.
