Fire Contained at EMR Metal Recycling Facility in Camden, New Jersey

Blaze comes 1 month after company was sued over previous scrapyard fires

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A fire at the EMR Metal Recycling facility in Camden, New Jersey, was quickly contained on Thursday night, according to the city's fire chief. The fire comes just one month after the company was sued by state officials over a series of previous fires at the scrapyard.

Why it matters

EMR Metal Recycling has faced numerous fires at its Camden facility in recent years, raising concerns about public safety and environmental impacts in the surrounding community. The latest fire highlights the ongoing challenges the company faces in managing its operations.

The details

The fire on Thursday night did not result in any injuries, and firefighters were able to quickly contain the blaze. However, the facility has been the site of multiple fires in the past, including a major incident in 2025 that burned for over six hours and sent toxins into the air, prompting evacuations of nearby residents.

  • The fire occurred on Thursday night, February 27, 2026.
  • In February 2025, a major fire at the EMR facility burned for over six hours.
  • One month prior to the latest fire, in January 2026, the New Jersey Attorney General and Department of Environmental Protection sued EMR over the previous scrapyard fires.

The players

EMR Metal Recycling

A metal recycling facility located in Camden, New Jersey that has faced multiple fires at its scrapyard in recent years.

Jesse Flax

The Camden Fire Department Chief who reported that the fire on Thursday night was quickly contained.

Matthew J. Platkin

The former New Jersey Attorney General who sued EMR earlier this year over the previous scrapyard fires.

Shawn M. LaTourette

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner who joined the lawsuit against EMR.

Victor Carstarphen

The Mayor of Camden who previously said EMR would invest $6.7 million in the community following a major fire in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody was injured in the blaze, and it's not spreading.”

— Jesse Flax, Camden Fire Department Chief (CBS News Philadelphia)

“We must hold companies like EMR accountable for the repeated fires and environmental damage they've caused in our communities.”

— Matthew J. Platkin, Former New Jersey Attorney General (CBS News Philadelphia)

What’s next

State and local officials will continue to monitor the situation at the EMR facility and enforce environmental regulations to prevent future fires and protect public safety.

The takeaway

The recurring fires at the EMR Metal Recycling facility in Camden highlight the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to ensure the safe and responsible operation of industrial facilities in residential areas.