Massive fire rips through Courtlandt Street in Belleville

Massive fire rips through Courtlandt Street in Belleville A massive 12‑alarm inferno tore through multiple industrial buildings in Belleville on May 3, 2026, forcing evacuations, destroying homes and businesses, and prompting a township‑wide State of Emergency. A towering plume of thick black smoke rose over Belleville on Sunday, May 3, 2026, after a fast‑moving warehouse fire erupted around 3 p.m. in the industrial section off Cortlandt Street, rapidly escalating into one of the largest fires the township has ever faced. Officials confirmed the blaze originated inside a mattress warehouse, where flames quickly spread to additional factories, including a cardboard facility, as strong winds pushed embers several blocks away. By early evening, the fire had grown into a 9‑ to 12‑alarm emergency, drawing firefighting units from 40 to 50 departments across Essex County and beyond. Crews battled intense heat, collapsing structures, and dangerously low water pressure, at times relying on tanker deliveries from surrounding towns and even the U.S. Army to maintain flow. Belleville Mayor Michael Melham declared a State of Emergency as flames leapt from building to building, igniting secondary fires several blocks away. At least a dozen homes were evacuated, and two residences were destroyed. Families described hearing explosions, later linked to helium and oxygen tanks stored inside the warehouses. Residents across Belleville, North Arlington, and Lyndhurst were urged to stay indoors, close windows, and avoid smoke exposure as winds carried debris and fumes across the region. Power outages affected more than 780 PSE&G customers, including Town Hall and the police department, forcing 911 calls to be temporarily rerouted Officials reported collapses inside the burning buildings, and at one point crews ran out of water, requiring tanker support from surrounding towns. Among the hardest‑hit properties was the Legacy Boxing Club, a youth training center serving up to 100 local kids. The facility was completely destroyed, including its rings, equipment, and training spaces—an emotional loss for the community. The American Red Cross assisted displaced families with emergency lodging, clothing, and support services. Early investigative leads suggest welding sparks may have ignited flammable materials inside the warehouse complex, though officials emphasize the cause remains under active review. Fire companies from 6 counties are on scene battling the blaze, which has ignited buildings on several blocks around Courtland Street and Stephen Streets. Belleville schools were closed Monday due to smoke conditions and power issues, with all but School 9 scheduled to reopen Tuesday. Multiple municipal departments were also shut down temporarily By Monday morning, the fire was largely contained, though hotspots continued to smolder. No civilian fatalities were reported, and only minor firefighter injuries were confirmed. Officials continue to monitor air quality and structural stability in the affected zone. Subscribe for more news updates, and click the notification bell. Massive fire rips through Courtland Street in Belleville Sunday, May 03, 2026 allcountynews.com