A major fire ripped through a Jersey City recycling plant prompting dozens of fire companies to respond.

The fire was reported Tuesday afternoon at Reliable Paper Recycling, located at 1 Caven Point Ave. Black smoke could be seen for miles at the height of the fire.

“Units responded. As soon as they hit the scene, they found out how extensive it was. Hit a second alarm, and unfortunately, with the wind's conditions, we have some of the paper blow to the areas of grass and things of that nature and extended far north, down as far as [New Jersey Turnpike Exit] 14 C by the Holland Tunnel,” says Greg Kierce, director of the Jersey City Office of Emergency Management.

Brush fires caused by the flaming paper were extinguished via water dropped from the air.

Large piles of paper and cardboard fueled the fire, which went to seven alarms. Firefighters remained on the scene Tuesday night to make sure the fire was fully under control.

Reliable Paper Recycling has been in business for about 30 years and employs dozens of people.

“Sixteen years, never seen a problem. Fifteen minutes and it's all gone,” says employee John Romano.

Romano is one of 65 employees. He says that he is devasted by the incident.

“It’s a good company. Good people. It’s like a family and it is breaking my heart to see it, because to resurrect from this – it might not happen,” he says.

Reliable Paper Recycling is one of the largest recycling plants in the tri-state area.

As the cause of the fire is still being investigated, employees are counting on each other to make it through.

“It is sad to see what happened. As you can see, we are united. Whether it’s good or bad, we are always together,” says employee Willy Garcia.

No injuries were reported during the fire.