Massive Fire Shuts Down Route 40 in Franklin Township, Triggers School Evacuations

January 23, 2025
Massive Fire Shuts Down Route 40 in Franklin Township, Triggers School Evacuations
  • The specific purpose of the building and trailers affected by the fire remains unclear, but live coverage showed significant smoke engulfing the site.

  • Despite being located in Franklin Township, the business involved in the fire has a Newfield mailing address.

  • Schools in the area have been informed of updated dismissal protocols due to the road closures resulting from the fire.

  • As a precaution, police issued evacuation orders for a one-mile radius around the fire, prompting the evacuation of nearby Main Road School, which serves approximately 400 third- and fourth-graders.

  • The situation remains ongoing, with updates expected as more information becomes available.

  • A significant building fire erupted on January 23, 2025, in the 600 block of Harding Highway (Route 40) in Franklin Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey.

  • Emergency responders on-site reported a substantial plume of dark smoke rising from the fire, which was captured in aerial footage by SkyForce10 and Chopper 6.

  • The fire, which started around 9:30 a.m., has led to the closure of Harding Highway between Main Road and Blue Bell Road as emergency responders manage the situation.

  • Evacuated students from Main Road School are being relocated to Caroline L. Reutter School, with parents being informed by the school district on how to reunite with their children.

  • Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this time, but authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding the cause of the fire.

  • Multiple fire departments, along with county and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection hazmat teams, are on-site to monitor air quality due to hazardous materials involved in the fire.

  • Authorities are continuing to assess the situation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

Summary based on 9 sources


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