Massive Junkyard Fire In Camden Sends Heavy Smoke Over NJ

CAMDEN, NJ — A massive junkyard fire in Camden on Friday sent plumes of heavy, black smoke into the air and prompted city officials to establish shelters for residents due to ongoing air quality issues.

According to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management, the blaze broke out shortly before 5 p.m. Friday at the EMR Recycling Facility. Fire crews on scene were able to fully extinguish the fire.

The cause of the blaze remains unclear but Camden Fire Department Chief Jesse Flax described it during a news conference Friday as a "large trash fire."

“We have vehicles, scrap metal, debris all burning right now,” he said. “It’s a very large pile.”

No injuries were reported, city officials said.

In an update posted around 9:40 p.m. Friday, officials said the Waterfront South neighborhood residents were asked to shelter in place due to the large volume of smoke from the blaze. Residents were advised to turn off HVAC systems and keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering homes.

Officials said city agencies are continuing to monitor the air quality.

South Camden residents in need of shelter are being referred to the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cherry Hill, located at 2349 Marlton Pike W. Identification with a South Camden address is required. Officials said the city may open community shelters if needed.

Questions should be directed to Stacy Pierce of the Camden County Office of Emergency Management at 856-408-9735.