Residents evacuated by huge warehouse fire can return home

NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) -- Several days after a large warehouse fire fueled by plastics, cars and household goods forced them to evacuate, dozens of New Jersey residents are finally headed back home.

North Brunswick authorities had kept them away since the fire broke out early Wednesday, citing concerns about air quality and safety. They also feared that if residents returned too soon, any flare-ups could likely spur another evacuation.

But they announced Sunday afternoon that federal officials had given their approval to let residents go back home.

Dozens of residents of a nearby apartment building were ordered to leave after heat from the blaze set the siding on fire. Others were moved as a precaution over fears of potential toxins being released from burning plastic.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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