Massive Fire Shuts Down Route 40 in Franklin Township, Triggers School Evacuations
January 23, 2025The 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