the staff of the Ridgewood blog
East Rutherford NJ, A chemical reaction at a plant in East Rutherford prompted at least two towns to issue shelter-in-place warnings. East Rutherford police reported receiving calls just before 2 p.m. Thursday at the Diamond Chemicals plant on East Union Avenue near Dubois Street for reports of a chemical reaction that was causing concern. Chlorine inside the plant apparently mixed with another chemical, producing potentially dangerous fumes. Diamond Chemical is listed as a soap and detergent manufacturer.
Officials say that the plant was evacuated as a precaution. They also say that an unattended machine inside the plant caught fire, which was put out by the fire department.The potential for dangerous fumes caused officials in Rutherford and Lyndhurst to warn residents living near the plant to stay indoors, close their windows and turn off their air conditioning units.
Hazmat crews tested the air and determined that it was safe just before 5 p.m.Officials say that there were some minor injuries reported, but did not elaborate.
**INCIDENT COMMAND POST UPDATE**
ERPD and ERFD units are on the scene of a fire at Diamond Chemical at the corner of East Union and Dubois Street, near Route 17.
The original incident involved a chemical release and those affected were ordered to shelter in place or evacuate. THE RELEASE IS UNDER CONTROL and the shelter in place order is lifted.
The Fire Department remains on scene handling a related fire which is contained to the structure. There is no hazard to the general public in the area.
Additional information will be posted here as it becomes available until the incident is cleared.
