Fire Reported at New Jersey Chemical Processing Facility

Authorities say a fire has erupted at a large chemical processing facility in northern New Jersey.

The fire broke out shortly before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday inside the International Matex Tank Terminal, a 520-acre facility near the Bayonne Bridge. The Bayonne facility has hundreds of tanks handling petroleum and specialty chemicals.

Heavy smoke was visible over a wide area, but the fire appeared to be confined to a small area of the plant. Numerous fire units were responding.

There was no immediate word on injuries or damage. A man who answered the phone at the plant declined to comment on the situation.

Traffic was shut down on Route 440 near the facility and New Jersey-bound traffic was halted on the Bayonne Bridge, which connects Staten Island and Bayonne.