NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A four-alarm fire is burning inside a metal scrap yard in Camden.
Large plumes of black smoke could be seen rising into the air on Camden’s Waterfront just after 5 p.m. Friday. The City of Camden confirmed the fire around 5:15 p.m. on X.
The fire is believed to have started with deconstructed cars at EMR Metal Recycling along South Front Street, according to our newsgathering partners at NBC10.
“Right now, we have a large trash fire in a sense,” explained Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax. “We've got vehicles, scrap metal, debris all burning right now. It's a very large pile.”
Flax says because the area is so isolated, there is a lack of fire hydrants, making it difficult to contain the fire.
“So we've got to transport water from the hydrants that are all around the city. That takes a little bit of doing,” Flax said. At least 15 to 20 fire companies in the area have come to assist.
People are urged to avoid the area.
Camden’s Office of Emergency Management says agencies are responding and monitoring air quality. South Camden residents impacted by the fire can receive a complimentary stay at the Hilton Garden Inn on 1 Penn Street.
A cause is not yet known. Stay with KYW as this story develops.