A nine-alarm fire in northern New Jersey destroyed a warehouse and spread to a second structure, prompting a massive multi-agency firefighting response
17:01 ET, 03 May 2026Updated 17:38 ET, 03 May 2026
A nine-alarm fire in northern New Jersey destroyed a warehouse and spread to a second structure, prompting a massive multi-agency firefighting response
Firefighters in northern New Jersey battled a massive nine-alarm blaze on Sunday that tore through a two-story warehouse and spread to a second structure blocks away, officials said.
Crews were dispatched just before 2 p.m. to the 300 block of Cortlandt Street in Belleville after reports of a rapidly spreading fire, according to preliminary emergency information.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames engulfing a brick warehouse building, prompting an escalation to a nine-alarm response and drawing mutual aid from multiple surrounding municipalities, including Newark, Nutley, and North Caldwell.
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Officials said embers from the main fire are believed to have ignited a second structure approximately two blocks away on Stephens Street, where crews also worked to contain a separate blaze.
The Belleville mayor urged residents to avoid the area as roads were closed to allow emergency operations. The Newark Fire Department deployed drones to assist with monitoring fire spread from above.
As of late afternoon, no serious injuries had been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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A nine-alarm fire in northern New Jersey engulfed a commercial building Saturday night, with embers spreading flames to nearby structures as firefighters battled the blaze
The fire reportedly occurred in an industrial section of the city. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the fire broke out in a mattress warehouse at approximately 2:45 p.m.
The Belleveille Recreation Department wrote on social media that Legacy Boxing had “been affected by the fire” as well.
“Legacy Boxing has been an important part of our recreation family, providing opportunities, mentorship, and a positive outlet for so many in our community. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time,” the department wrote.
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Videos circulating on social media show massive tongues of flame and a giant, black column of smoke rising into the air from the fire.
Large numbers of first responders can also be seen battling the blaze, with ladder trucks and firefighters with hoses attacking the fire from multiple angles. They don’t appear to make much of a dent in it, however.
As of 4:30 p.m., no serious injuries were reported, and an investigation into the fire was still underway.