Large Fire At Warehouse Raises Safety Concerns In Camden Co.

BARRINGTON, NJ — Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries caused a heavy fire at a recycling plant in Barrington, officials said.

Heavy smoke emanated from the Recycling Management Resources warehouse at around 2 p.m. on East Gloucester Pike. Firefighters from throughout Camden County contained the blaze to the warehouse and brought it under control within an hour.

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They stayed at the scene for another three hours to ensure the site was fully secured.

No injuries were reported.

Barrington's fire marshal determined that the fire was caused by improper lithium-ion battery disposal, which brought them into the recycling steam and sparked the blaze with combustible materials.

Borough officials will meet with the recycling company's management to implement stricter safety protocols.

"We are conducting a thorough investigation, and any violations will be addressed in accordance with local and state regulations," said Joe Hales, chief of the Haddon Heights-Barrington Fire Department.

Recycling Management Resources did not respond to Patch's request for comment in time for initial publication.

The incident highlights broader concerns with preventing emergencies at local industrial sites — especially when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

In February, a massive fire sent thick clouds of black smoke out of a scrap-metal recycling center in Camden, displacing hundreds of families. EMR, the company that owns the facility, recently agreed to pay the city $6.7 million and tighten safety regulations as a result.

The Camden junkyard fire was also likely caused by a lithium-ion battery, according to EMR.

David Pawling, Barrington's director of emergency management, called lithium-ion battery safety "an increasingly urgent issue."

"We're seeing a growing need for public education and community awareness regarding the risks and proper handling of these batteries," Pawling said.