7 alarm fire likely to last for days. Newark Ave closed from North Ave to Virginia St. Expect traffic delays throughout area. 
ELIZABETH, NJ—December 22, 2011— Mayor J. Christian Bollwage held a press conference earlier this afternoon, regarding the seven-alarm fire in the former Burry Biscuits warehouse on the 800 block of Newark Avenue. The fire, which began Wednesday afternoon, is still burning and first responders remain at the scene.
Mayor Bollwage advised residents in the North Elizabeth area to keep their windows closed, refrain from using air conditioning units and utilize internal vents while driving. Officials from the Union County Hazardous Materials Unit were also present and indicated that the smoke did not pose a threat to individuals in the area and throughout the City.
More than two hundred fifty (250) firefighters from over thirty-five (35) different companies have responded to the incident, which is expected to last several days.
No injuries have been reported and safety precautions are being taken for emergency personnel working within the building and the surrounding site. Street closures include: Newark Avenue from North Avenue to Virginia Street.
Officials in attendence: County Manager Al Faella, Fire Director Onofrio Vitullo, Police Director James Cosgrove, Fire Chief Thomas McNamara, Police Chief Patrick Shannon and Deputy Chief Daniel Campbell.
For more information, please call the Public Information Office at the City of Elizabeth at 908-820-4124.
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Address/Location
City Hall of Elizabeth, NJ
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 908-820-4124