There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The airport is a major international hub near New York City.
"Newark Airport is temporarily closed due to deployment of emergency chutes on a plane with an apparent engine fire," a post on the airport's official Twitter account said. "No injuries reported."
A passenger posted video of the plane on the tarmac surrounded by vehicles with flashing lights. "Just had to evacuate my @united flight using the slide," the user tweeted using the handle @lo_toney.
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