Fire destroys iconic New Jersey paper factory

<p>A massive fire has destroyed the iconic Marcal Paper Factory in Elmwood Park.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jan 31, 2019, 11:48 AM

Updated 2,095 days ago

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Fire destroys iconic New Jersey paper factory
A massive fire has destroyed the iconic Marcal Paper Factory in New Jersey.
The fire was first reported just before 5 p.m. and is believed to have started in the main building on the campus in Elmwood Park. The roof of that building collapsed around 6:30 p.m., according to officials.
Fire crews have retreated from the perimeter of the fire and have said that they will let it burn itself out due to how large the fire is. Fire officials say that they are worried about collapsing parts of the building and explosions from the propane tanks that are inside the factory.
Officials say that it is difficult to fight the fire due to the extreme cold and strong winds. Fire crews were having issues getting water out of the fire hydrants for a time and had to pump water out of the nearby Passaic River.
The strong winds were also blowing embers onto residential areas, and homes and Elmwood Park Borough Hall have also reportedly caught fire.
The fire is the second reported this month at the site. In 2017, more than 100 firefighters were called to extinguish a fire at the plant.