NJ Chemical Plant Fire Contained, Evacuations Avoided

PASSAIC, NJ — A massive 11-alarm fire that broke out at a chemical plant in Passaic on Friday night has been contained after firefighters worked through the night, battling flames and frigid temperatures.

The fire broke out at Majestic Industries and the Qualco chemical plant in Passaic just after 8:15 p.m. Friday, ABC New York reported. The flames reached buildings housing plastics, pallets and chlorine, officials told The Associated Press, but did not reach the main chemical plant, which could have endangered the densely populated New York City suburbs of New Jersey.

No serious injuries were reported and no evacuation orders were issued.

Nearby residents were advised to close their windows but were not required to evacuate, with officials saying air quality remained acceptable and would be monitored. Some residents fled anyway.

“It’s worrying. You don’t know what’s going to happen,” Joel Heredia told WCBS-TV.

Frigid temperatures froze water from hydrants and hoses, hampering boats trying to draw water from the Passaic River and causing firefighters to slip and fall, Passaic Mayor Hector Lora told The AP.

More than a dozen firefighters were injured including sprained ankles, bumps, and bruises, ABC New York reported. One firefighter was hit in the face by debris and taken to the hospital. He has since been released, reports said.

Security guard Justin Johnson told WCBS-TV he was working alone and checking water pressure when he noticed smoke coming from a smokestack-like tower. He called the fire department as alarms went off.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.