Multiple fire departments were on the scene of a very large fire at the PepsiCo factory in Piscataway on Tuesday evening.

The fire broke out just after 6 p.m. outside the factory on New Brunswick Avenue. The fire sent large plumes of black smoke into the sky, which could be seen for miles.

Bright orange flames were also seen on the roof of the building. One witness described the scene as a “tornado of fire.” Others reported hearing loud explosions from miles away.

Officials say that all PepsiCo employees were safely evacuated. The plant manager says that the staff trains for emergencies like this on a regular basis. No employees were hurt.

More than 100 firefighters from Piscataway and surrounding towns came to battle the fire. One volunteer firefighter was taken to the hospital to be treated for heat exhaustion. Another suffered a shoulder injury. Both are expected to be OK.

Piscataway Mayor Brian Wahler says crews are expected to be at the scene through the night. He is asking all residents to stay clear of the area. New Brunswick Avenue, Carlton Avenue and Lakeview Avenue are closed.

“You’ll have a lot of personnel coming in to relieve those here from the beginning…You don’t need to see it. Watch it on News 12, if you want to see what’s going on, that’s the best way. Sit home and let the emergency services people do their jobs,” the mayor says.

Whaler says that Hazmat teams are monitoring the air quality, but there does not seem to be cause for concern about hazardous materials.

A small brush fire was put out early on. The state Forest Fire Service is also on scene.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.