New video appears to show first flames inside Belleville warehouse before massive fire erupted
The video, obtained by News 12, appears to show the moment the fire began inside the warehouse.
Newly obtained video is offering a closer look at how the massive warehouse fire in Belleville may have started, as the township closes schools again and firefighters continue working at the scene.
Belleville officials say schools are closed today while crews remain on site and demolition of damaged warehouses continues following the fire that broke out Sunday afternoon.
Fire video
The video, obtained by News 12, appears to show the moment the fire began inside the warehouse. In the footage, a small flicker of flames can be seen in the back right corner of the building before growing. A worker inside the warehouse appears to notice the fire and reacts, attempting to bring it under control.
Belleville’s Mayor says it’s believed it started from welding related work.
Drone 12 video shows the massive scale of the warehouse complex, highlighting the challenge firefighters have faced since Sunday. Several businesses were destroyed, including a mattress warehouse and a cardboard business, both of which officials say helped fuel the fire.
News 12 drone video of demolition
News 12's Lauren Due speaks with demolition experts tearing down the rubble
Residents living nearby were also impacted, with some forced to evacuate their homes.
“We just watched it burn for hours, hours,” said Jessica Barkley, a displaced resident.
Another resident said they were able to salvage some belongings. “We were able to get some clothing for us, some kitchen stuff, so whenever we find another home we at least have some things to start out with,” she said.
Smoke continues to lightly billow from the warehouse fire in Belleville this morning. Officials say demolition of damaged structures has begun and is expected to continue this morning.
Monday coverage
No injuries have been reported but a couple of homes were affected and several families have been displaced. A shelter remains open at the Friendly House on Florence Street for anyone displaced by the fire.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
