An intense four-alarm fire scorched through a large warehouse in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Friday morning, shooting a column of thick black smoke into the sky.
The massive inferno ignited inside an industrial building just southeast of Newark Liberty International Airport just before 5:30 am — with smoke billowing as far as Staten Island, where locals reported smelling it.
The blaze quickly raced through the extensive complex, causing a part of its roof to collapse. It is unknown at this time what kind of materials were being stored inside.
Numerous “dead,” or non-functioning, hydrants were said to have initially hampered firefighters’ work.
No injuries have been reported, and there were no reports of anyone inside the building.
Officials warned that it could continue burning for days.
The FDNY is sending two of its marine units to assist.
The State Department of Environmental Protection will be monitoring the air quality for any contaminants from the fire.
There was no immediate word on what might have sparked the blaze inside the industrial complex, which is home to several different businesses.
