NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed a bill into law designed to reduce scrapyard fires in response to Camden's fire-prone EMR Recycling.
Assemblyman Bill Moan introduced the bill after a four-alarm fire at EMR Metal Recycling in February 2025, one of more than a dozen fires there since 2020.
“The heavier the stockpile, the larger the threat,” Moan said.
The bill requires certain scrap metal businesses to install heat-detection equipment to identify potential hot spots before fires start.
“And that's why this law requires businesses with heavier stockpiles to adhere to an accelerated installation timeline,” Moan said.
The legislation limits material pile heights to 20 feet, and businesses must develop fire safety plans with local fire officials and maintain public access to those plans.
Camden officials suspended EMR’s license after the latest fire on May 29. City Council unanimously rejected EMR’s proposal to reopen on Tuesday, but a judge ruled on Wednesday that the council’s measure is illegal.
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen said the new legislation is a big step for the city.
“If you're doing business in Camden, you have to be held with accountability, and this is what this law is headed in the right direction for.”
