Fire at Jersey City scrap yard creates huge plume of smoke

A fire at a scrap metal yard in Hudson County sent dark smoke billowing over the sky in New Jersey.

News 12 Staff

Apr 25, 2019, 9:45 PM

Updated 1,821 days ago

Share:

A fire at a scrap metal yard in Hudson County sent dark smoke billowing over the sky in New Jersey.
The fire at Sims Metal Management on Linden Avenue East was first reported around 4:30 p.m.
Black smoke billowing from the site could be seen across the Hudson River in New York City, as well as miles across New Jersey. But about an hour after the fire started, the smoke turned white, which indicated that the fire crews were getting the fire under control.
Jersey City fire officials say that six ladder crews were getting help from employees of Sims Metal Management to battle the blaze.
“They have grappling hooks on machines. Basically big cranes helping to move debris piles and open them up for us so we could get to the body of the fire,” says Chief Steven McGill. “
McGill says that due to the nature of the work at the scrap yard, fires occasionally occur. All types of materials from cars to refrigerators get crushed at the site to be recycled.
"Sometimes there is still product in those things and when they crush it, it causes compression and friction. And sometimes you get fires,” he says.
But the exact cause of the fire has not yet been released.
No injuries were reported.


More from News 12
0:25
Police: Pedestrian fatally struck by car in Gloucester Township

Police: Pedestrian fatally struck by car in Gloucester Township

1:37
Rain, clouds followed by mild temps and clearer skies in New Jersey

Rain, clouds followed by mild temps and clearer skies in New Jersey

0:13
Authorities: Kenilworth man sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling cocaine

Authorities: Kenilworth man sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling cocaine

0:15
Authorities: Berkley Township man sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatal stabbing

Authorities: Berkley Township man sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatal stabbing

0:28
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

1:42
Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

Police: Marlboro teacher accused of inappropriately touching student faces charges

0:32
Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

Man who lit himself on fire outside Trump trial has ties to New Jersey

0:56
Graffiti of former Palestinian militant Leila Khaled found spray-painted at Rutgers University

Graffiti of former Palestinian militant Leila Khaled found spray-painted at Rutgers University

0:09
Police: 2 men critically injured in Newark shooting

Police: 2 men critically injured in Newark shooting

2:16
Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

Public warned to keep their dogs away from seals at the Jersey Shore

0:59
Jersey Proud: 3 men running the length of New Jersey for ‘Dylan’s Wings of Change’ charity

Jersey Proud: 3 men running the length of New Jersey for ‘Dylan’s Wings of Change’ charity

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:01
New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

New Jersey water companies make plans to adapt federal ‘forever chemical’ guidelines

1:54
Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

Authorities: 2 children at Port Reading school become sickened after ingesting marijuana gummies

2:45
Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

Business owners say they are losing business due to Route 71 bridge being stuck in up position

1:42
Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

Prosecutor: Remains found at Wall construction site were of ‘advanced age’

0:27
Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead

0:25
Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

Boil water advisory issued for parts of Monmouth County

0:48
Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

Ridgewood mayor shares photos showcasing renovation of former Warner Theater

1:37
Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row

Officials: Some Marlboro schools, Trenton Board of Ed receive bomb threat 2nd day in a row