Massive Fire At Scrapyard Pushes Smoke Through Delco, Philadelphia Skies

SHARON HILL, PA — A massive fire is burning Wednesday at a scrap metal recycling plant in Delaware County, pushing large amounts of smoke and raising air quality concerns in nearby communities including Southwest Philadelphia.

The fire began burning Wednesday morning burning at EMR Metal Recycling's scrap metal yard on Industrial Drive in Sharon Hill — just outside Philly — officials said.

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NBC10 and 6abc shared footage of the fire sending a huge plume of smoke into the sky.

Emergency crews in Delco and Philadelphia are responding to the 3-alarm fire. Neighboring residents should stay inside, if possible, and keep all doors and windows shut to preserve indoor air quality.

"The air may be potentially hazardous for sensitive groups, including children, elderly people, people who are pregnant, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions," said the Philadelphia Health Department.

EMR's recycling facility in Camden, New Jersey, has had 13 fires since 2020, receiving scrutiny from local residents and activists calling for the scrapyard to be shut down. A judge recently overturned Camden City Council's decision to pause operations there.

An EMR spokesperson didn't immediately return comment to
Patch.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.