Fire Englufs New Jersey Building That Once Made Explosives

SAYREVILLE, N.J. (AP) -- Fire triggered a series of small explosions inside the Hercules Plant as flames ignited material that was used in the making of smokeless explosives and sent a large plume of smoke into the early-morning sky.

About 100 firefighters from seven Middlesex County towns were on the scene after the fire was reported at 3:15 a.m. Thursday.

The large, wooden factory was being readied for demolition. However nitro cellulose was still in the structure, Middlesex County emergency management spokesman Rob Sklans said.

There were no evacuations and the smoke from the inferno was no threat to the public, Sklans said.

No one was injured.

The spokesman said the cause is believed to be accidental.