KEARNY, N.J. (AP) — Authorities say a fire at a chemical plant in New Jersey has been brought under control, but road and bridge closures remained in effect and local residents were urged to remain indoors because of potential danger from fumes.
Kearny fire officials said the blaze at the Alden Leads chlorine plant in Hudson County was reported Friday night and burned into Saturday. No injuries were immediately reported.
The blaze prompted closure of the Pulaski Skyway, a bridge-causeway between Newark and Jersey City, and emergency responders helped motorists stranded on the bridge. Local roads around the plant were also closed.
The plant makes chlorine tablets that are used in swimming pools. Kearny Fire Chief Steve Dyl told WABC-TV that the fire constantly reignited, hampering efforts to extinguish it.
UPDATE: A second fire was reported late Sunday followed by multiple explosions at the Alden Leads plant.
The local fire department posted the following message on Facebook:
Units are still operating at the chlorine fire in South Kearny. The air in the area is being monitored and is now within normal limits. The Fire Department along with the Department of Environmental Protection and many other agencies are working hard to mitigate the situation. We will continue to give updates in the next few days. Thank You for all of your support as we battle this fire.
