Residents near North Brunswick warehouse hope to head home

Residents around the area of a North Brunswick warehouse fire hope they will be able to return to their homes today, two days after a massive fire destroyed the million square foot facility.

White smoke rises from a warehouse fire in North Brunswick (North Brunswick Police)

However, just before 4:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, North Brunswick police director Ken McCormick said a decision on letting residents back in has not yet been made.

State and federal environmental crews continue to test the air quality and continue to detect no "toxic concerns." The heavy smoke described by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Emergency Management Director Bob Van Fossen as "saturating" the area around the Livingston Avenue warehouse is expected to clear enough to allow residents to return home today.

"Smoke and particle debris remain a concern in the immediate area of the fire," reads a statement from North Brunswick Police. "Winds and atmospheric conditions change smoke patterns. Residents are reminded to avoid or reduce exposure by staying indoors or staying out of areas containing smoke fields."

The Linwood Middle School remained open as a relief center, although no one stayed overnight.

New Brunswick Fire Chief Donald Salzmann says heavy equipment and excavators were brought in on Thursday to put out the last of the "pocket fires" that developed as the roof fell in on the fire. He expects the investigation into the cause of the nine-alarm fire to begin on Friday morning.

The fire is not completely out, however, and residents should continue to expect discoloration of water and lower water pressure. "Residents are advised that our water is safe for drinking and bathing," reads a message from North Brunswick Police. "Please refrain from washing white or light colored clothing when discolored water is present.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.