By Jeff Goldman
nj.com
SOUTH RIVER, N.J. — A large fire that gutted an abandoned warehouse in Middlesex County also damaged two unoccupied houses, an office building and another warehouse, according to local police.
The fire broke out around 10:35 p.m. Tuesday near the corner of Herman and Water streets in South River with nearly 100 firefighters from departments around the county converging to battle the massive blaze, borough police said.
By early afternoon, the fire was under control but firefighters were still checking for hot spots and smoldering conditions, officials said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Photos posted on social media by fire departments from South Plainfield, Piscataway and South Amboy show gigantic flames scorching the building late Tuesday night.
Police posted a message at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday telling people to stay away from the area.
“Due to fire department activity on Herman Street near Elizabeth Street, motorists and pedestrians are asked to avoid the area,” the police department said.
“Additionally, due to the use of fire hydrants, area residents may experience low water pressure and/or discolored water. If experiencing discolored water, avoid doing laundry until the color returns to normal,” police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Middlesex County Fire Marshal Mike Gallagher, at 732-316-7171 or South River police at 732-238-1000.
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