A fire hazard consumed multiple businesses and homes in Hillside, New Jersey, on Tuesday (US time). The five-alarm fire was sparked by a massive explosion inside an autobody shop at the corner of Maple and Conklin avenues just after 7 pm, according to US officials.
At least one firefighter was injured, as per the initial revelations offered by the Hillside mayor. Dahlia Vertreese also disclosed that 20 residents had been displaced in the aftermath of the fire slipping out of control.
New Jersey explosion cause yet to be revealed
It still remains unclear what caused the explosions. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in preliminary headlines.
“It started in the automotive shop, so you got multiple chemicals in there,” Hillside Fire Chief Rashawn Carey said, as per CBS News. “The smoke itself is toxic, so we’re trying to keep everyone back, and if it does proceed, we will have to monitor the air for testing.”
Hillside Mayor Dahlia Vertreese called it one of the worst sires in the area in almost two decades. “An autobody shop on Conklin Avenue and Maple Avenue on the corner has exploded. There are a lot of cars in there. This will probably be an ongoing fire until the morning. The chief told me this is the second-worst fire in 18 years,” he shared via Facebook.
New Jersey explosion videos/visuals emerge:
Emerging: Powerful explosion causes 6-7 businesses to be burned down on Maple Avenue in Hillside, New Jersey following 6-alarm fire. pic.twitter.com/U5tbYa56On
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) October 15, 2025
A late night flight for a terrible situation in Hillside, NJ. A row of businesses up in flames, homes damaged, families displaced and a long night for first responders. We will have updates on @CBSNewYork and from #chopper2 pic.twitter.com/8uQaHBxLeR
— Dan Rice (@ChopperDanRice) October 15, 2025
New Jersey fire: Residents urged to stay away
Vertreese has since requested residents to stay away from the area in light of major instances of destruction emerging from the scene, and possible breathing hazards.
“Don’t come here. We had a wall collapse, and the entire shopping section of Maple Avenue between Conklin and Winans Avenue has been destroyed. It’s a harrowing sight,” the mayor said. “If you are in the area of Maple Avenue, please stay away from the lower half near Hillside Avenue. It is very smoky. If you have lung issues or asthma, do everything that you can to stay oxygenated or stay off the streets.”
The autobody shop explosion made heart-rending headlines around the same time a New Jersey house caught fire in Paterson on Tuesday. According to Red Cross officials, over a dozen people were displaced in the incident, in addition to a dog dying on Redwood Avenue.
This is a developing story.