Fire breaks out at NJ chemical plant: ‘The worst that I’ve ever seen’

A fire broke out at a chemical plant on Friday night in New Jersey, with dozens of firefighters battling the flames into Saturday morning. 

The fire broke out in Passaic at Majestic Industries and the Qualco chemical plant, spreading to multiple buildings. The building holding plastics, pallets and chlorine fell, NorthJersey.com reported. 

Firefighters struggled to get the fire under control as the low temperatures caused water to freeze. The around 200 firefighters eventually had to use water from a nearby river to fight the flames. 

“There have been bad fires but this is the worst that I’ve ever seen,” Mayor Hector Lora said.

The fire was spotted and called in by a security guard while checking the building’s water pressure, WCBS-TV reported. 

“I look out the window, I see smoke coming from, maybe, like, the stack tower right there. I don’t know if that caused the fire or not, but I also see smoke coming from there, so I decided to come back to security office, called the fire department and get them down here. The alarm system went off already,” Justin Johnson said.

Residents in neighboring New York City neighborhoods have been warned they may be able to see the smoke or smell the fire. Nearby residents were told to shut their windows as the current air quality is still okay, but is being monitored.

“We urge everyone in Passaic to stay safe as firefighters battle a large eight-alarm fire at a chemical plant off of Route 21. If you live nearby, keep your windows closed. Praying for the safety of our first responders on the scene,” Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said. 

One firefighter has gone to the hospital after he was hit by debris but is expected to recover.