Belleville Fire: Block Destroyed, Schools Closed

A devastating fire originating in a mattress factory on Cortlandt Street in Belleville, New Jersey, has ravaged an entire city block. The blaze, which began Sunday, spread rapidly, consuming the factory and adjacent structures. By Tuesday morning, white smoke still emanated from the damaged buildings, and air quality remained hazardous, prompting school officials to cancel classes for a second day.

Several businesses housed within the warehouse, including an upholstery company and Legacy Boxing Gym, were reduced to ashes. The fire also spread to two nearby homes, destroying them and displacing eight residents who are now being assisted by the Red Cross. Miraculously, no other injuries were reported beyond two firefighters treated for smoke inhalation and exhaustion.

Investigators suspect that welding work conducted inside the factory was the likely cause of the fire. The warehouse contained a significant amount of flammable materials, including foam, fabric, helium tanks, and cardboard, which contributed to the fire's intensity and rapid spread.