Massive commercial mattress warehouse fire consumes entire block in Belleville, New Jersey; families evacuated
BELLEVILLE, New Jersey (WABC) — Belleville Public Schools will remain closed Wednesday after an immense warehouse fire that began Sunday continues to smolder on Tuesday.
While what remains of the fire is under control, the burned area has been devastated, and there are concerns about chemicals released in the smoke and flames.
The colossal fire destroyed a city block and led to closures in the area as the mayor declared a state of emergency.
New surveillance video shows what appears to be the moment the fire started.
In the video, a man inside of the warehouse notices the flames. He runs over and tries to get it under control, but the fire starts rapidly spreading.
The fire spread from the mattress warehouse to a warehouse filled with cardboard on Sunday around 2:30 p.m.
Flames quickly shot up and were out of control within seconds.
The fire spread to another structure that was home to dozens of businesses and the mayor said it was a constant source of concern to town officials about possible code violations.
At its largest, the fire reached 12 to 14 alarms, according to the mayor, and two homes nearby also caught on fire.
As the cleanup work continues, the town has conducted air quality tests at schools.
The Red Cross is assisting those families.
If you’re in the area, keep in mind there will be road closures.
———-
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Download our connected TV app
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
