Where did the fire start?
The fire is believed to have started at a mattress warehouse on Cortland Street in Belleville.
News / Fires
A massive 12-alarm fire ripped through several warehouses in Belleville, New Jersey, on Sunday, May 4, 2026, prompting a state of emergency and school closures. The fire, which started at a mattress warehouse, quickly spread to neighboring...
The fire, which began around 2:30 p.m. on Cortland Street, quickly escalated due to strong winds and the presence of highly flammable materials such as mattresses and cardboard. The close proximity of the warehouses facilitated the rapid spread of the flames. The incident led to a state of emergency declaration by Belleville Mayor Michael Melham, who described the scene as "like being in the middle of hell."
Firefighters faced numerous challenges, including dropping water pressure and smaller fires ignited by embers carried by the wind. The fire's intensity caused the collapse of four to six-story structures. Air quality tests were conducted at schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Red Cross is assisting families affected by the fire.
Actionable takeaways: Residents should stay informed about air quality advisories and road closures. Businesses should review their fire safety protocols and ensure compliance with local codes.
The fire is believed to have started at a mattress warehouse on Cortland Street in Belleville.
No residents were injured, but two firefighters were treated for exhaustion and smoke inhalation.
The fire is contained but still smoldering as of Tuesday. Firefighters are working to put out hot spots.
A state of emergency was declared, schools were closed, and the Red Cross is assisting affected families.
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