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Officials: Fireworks May Have Caused Building Fire In Elizabeth, NJ

ELIZABETH, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Twenty-five people were forced out of their homes in Elizabeth, New Jersey, by a three-alarm fire.

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Twenty-five people were forced out of their homes in Elizabeth, New Jersey, by a three-alarm fire on Jan. 1, 2020. (Credit: CBS2)

The blaze broke out just before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday at a building on Westfield Avenue.

Heavy smoke spread throughout the building, along with flames.

The cause has not been determined yet, but officials believe fireworks may be responsible.

"If it was indeed fireworks, you know, where was the individual playing with the fireworks?" one fire official said. "Was he outside and the fire spread from outside in? We don't know."

A few people who escaped complained of chest pains and were treated on the scene.

No one was taken to the hospital.

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