A massive fire erupted in a warehouse in Belleville, New Jersey, near Manhattan, sending a plume of smoke across the area.
Locals posted photos and videos on social media warning others about the fire, which was upgraded to a ninth alarm.
Firefighters were ordered away from parts of the building due to fears of an imminent collapse, and ladder truck crews were evacuated.
Emergency responders encountered water supply problems, complicating containment efforts.
The fire generated smoke visible across multiple parts of northern New Jersey, with residents reporting haze and smoke odors miles away from the scene.
Authorities declared a state of emergency, and multiple agencies from across Essex County converged on the scene to assist.
No major civilian injuries had been officially confirmed, though emergency operations remained active late into the night.
