Massive fire sends plumes of heavy smoke over Camden, NJ
The call came in around 5 p.m. Friday for flames showing on the 1400 block of South Front Street.
CAMDEN, NJ -- A massive four-alarm fire sent plumes of heavy smoke across South Jersey on Friday.
The call came in around 5 p.m. Friday for flames showing at the EMR metal recycling center on the 1400 block of South Front Street in Camden.
Raynard Thompson could see the flames from his home in Somerdale, N.J. before arriving at the scene.
"Hot and scary being close to a junkyard fire," said Thompson. "The chemicals, the smell -- it was too much."
Drivers could even see the flames from the Walt Whitman Bridge.
Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax said nearly 20 fire companies responded to knock down the burning mounds of metal, vehicles and debris.
Just after 10 p.m., fire crews seemed to be getting the upper hand, but flames were still visible as water rained down on the rubble.
"It's a little difficult because we don't have enough hydrants in the area because we're isolated inside of a yard, so we've got to transport water from the hydrants," said Chief Flax.
He said the wind also presented some challenges, but they've fought fires at this facility in the past.
Nearby residents and employees like David McIntosh, who works at Adventure Aquarium, are concerned about the air quality.
"We have some delicate wildlife," said McIntosh. "It's just detrimental. They're very finicky."
Due to air quality concerns, a shelter in place was issued Friday night for nearby residents.
Authorities say EPA air quality reports came back negative Saturday morning, and the shelter in place was lifted.
Anyone with questions is asked to call Camden County Office of Emergency Management's at (856)-408-9735.
The fire was placed under control around 2 a.m. Saturday.
No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
