KEARNY, N.J. (1010 WINS) – A chlorine plant inferno closed the Pulaski Skyway and led to traffic closures that continued into Saturday.
Officials say the fire broke out at the Alden Leeds chemical plant, which makes chlorine products for pools and spas, around 10 p.m.
Large clouds of smoke could be seen as far away as Brooklyn and Manhattan as crews battled the fire under the bridge, which connects Newark and Jersey City.
No serious injuries were reported, but officials in nearby Bayonne, Newark and Hoboken urged people to keep their windows closed because of the smoke and fumes.
The fire was deemed under control by 7 a.m., but officials say the air quality is still questionable and was an issue for firefighters overnight.
"Because you have a chlorine gas, the firefighters have to be on air constantly, since they're out you have to monitor the air constantly," Fire Chief Steven Dyl said. "When the levels get too high, you have to back out, you just have to get out of the area, which happened several times last night."
Traffic on the bridge came to a halt during the fire and remained closed late Saturday, as the flames continued to reignite and spark fears about chemical fumes affecting drivers.
It's unclear what sparked the fire. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.
Bayonne's Office of Emergency Management said air quality levels were "well within acceptable levels for our area."
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