Evacuations Ordered Lifted After Massive Chemical Fire In Gloucester Co.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ — A massive chemical fire at a swimming pool manufacturing facility prompted evacuation orders for multiple schools and nearby residents Thursday in Gloucester County.

The fire began burning Thursday morning at North East Pool Distributors on Harding Highway (Route 40) in Franklin Township. Heavy smoke could be seen billowing from the scene.

Nearby residents and schools evacuated as a precautionary measure, since the burning of fiberglass and other chemicals raised concerns about air quality.

During the incident, hazmat crews didn't have any elevated readings of toxic materials within or beyond the evacuation zone, which spanned a 1-mile radius.

All evacuation orders were lifted as of 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

Harding Highway remains closed from Main Road to Blue Bell Road as of that time.

Everyone within a one-mile radius of the fire has been ordered to evacuate as a precaution, police said around 1 p.m. Thursday.

Two schools within the evacuation zone relocated for the school day. Main Road School, which serves third- and fourth-graders, evacuated to Caroline L. Reutter School, which is also part of the Franklin Township School District.

Our Lady of Mercy Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school, moved students and staff to St. Augustine Preparatory School in Buena Vista.

Hazmat crews conducted interior and exterior air-quality tests at both schools. The air was deemed safe both before and during evacuation efforts.

There's been no word about what caused the fire.

North East Pool Distributors uses fiberglass to produce residential pool shells.

Signs and symptoms of fiberglass fire exposure can include the following, according to the Gloucester County OEM:

• skin irritation and pain
• eye irritation and redness
• soreness in the nose or throat
• temporary stomach discomfort
• rashes, itching and blisters
• coughing and wheezing

Seek medical attention if you have any symptoms.