You’ve probably seen the smoke before if you live anywhere near the Camden waterfront. It’s that thick, acrid haze that seems to settle over Waterfront South far too often. Honestly, if you’re looking for a report on a fire in Camden New Jersey today, you’re likely feeling a mix of "not again" and genuine concern for the air quality.
While there isn't a massive 4-alarm inferno ripping through a building at this exact second on January 13, 2026, the city is currently reeling from a different kind of "fire" news. Yesterday, January 12, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette officially filed a major public-nuisance lawsuit against EMR Advanced Recycling. Why? Because the city is tired of the literal fires—at least 12 hazardous blazes in the last five years—that have plagued this specific scrapyard.
It's a lot to take in. Just a week ago, on January 4, a separate 4-alarm fire gutted an abandoned meat market on Mount Ephraim Avenue. Camden is a city where fire crews are kept on their toes, but the legal firestorm surrounding the scrapyard is what everyone is talking about today.
The Scrapyard Lawsuit: A Response to Years of Smoke
Basically, the state has had enough. The lawsuit filed against EMR (Eastern Metal Recycling) and its affiliates alleges that the company has turned a "quick buck" at the expense of Camden residents.
If you remember the February 2025 fire—the one that forced over 100 families to evacuate to hotels in Cherry Hill and the waterfront—that was the breaking point. That fire burned for nearly 20 hours. Think about that. Nearly an entire day of firefighters battling a 25-foot mountain of scrap metal.
The state is now arguing that these fires aren't just "accidents." They are claiming a pattern of reprehensible conduct. Residents have been reporting asthma attacks, burning eyes, and chemical odors for years.
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Why do these fires keep happening?
It’s usually lithium-ion batteries. You’ve got them in your phone, your laptop, your old power tools. When these batteries end up in a massive pile of crushed metal and get punctured or overheated, they explode.
The company often says these batteries are "improperly delivered" by third parties. But the state’s lawsuit says the company isn't doing enough to catch them. According to the complaint filed in Superior Court, EMR has failed to take meaningful corrective action despite knowing the risks. It’s not just Camden, either. Similar fires have been reported at their facilities in Newark and Bayonne.
What Happened Recently on Mount Ephraim Avenue?
While the scrapyard is the long-term problem, the most recent big "structure" fire in the city happened on the night of January 3, 2025 (heading into January 4). A four-alarm blaze tore through a former meat market building in the 2800 block of Mount Ephraim Avenue.
It was intense.
Firefighters were on the scene for over two hours just to get the main body of the fire under control. Huge plumes of smoke were visible from the Philly side of the river. Luckily, that building was abandoned, and no injuries were reported. But for the people living in that neighborhood, it was another reminder of how many vacant structures in the city remain high-risk fire boxes.
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The Recent "Suspicious" Fire in Nearby Blackwood
Technically just outside the city limits but still under the Camden County umbrella, another fire made headlines this past weekend. Early Saturday morning, January 10, the leasing office at the Lakeview Apartments in Blackwood was completely destroyed.
Gloucester Township Police are calling this one "suspicious."
- It happened around 2:30 AM.
- A second alarm was called almost immediately.
- The building was unoccupied at the time.
Investigators from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and the NJ Division of Fire Safety are currently combing through the debris. If you have any info on that one, the local police (856-228-4500) are actually looking for tips.
The Reality for Camden Residents
Living in Camden means dealing with a specific set of environmental challenges. Waterfront South residents, in particular, have been vocal about the "environmental racism" they feel is at play. They’re sandwiched between heavy industry, the sewage treatment plant, and these recurring scrapyard fires.
The lawsuit filed yesterday seeks to force EMR to:
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- Limit the height of scrap piles (making them easier to extinguish).
- Improve battery detection technology.
- Pay for the health damages caused to the community.
It’s a big deal. For once, the state isn't just issuing a fine; they are trying to fundamentally change how these industrial sites operate in residential backyards.
What to Do if You Smell Smoke Today
If you are in Camden today and smell that distinct chemical scent, it’s important to take it seriously. Even if there isn't a visible "fire in Camden New Jersey today," lingering air quality issues from industrial sites or smaller "hot spots" can be dangerous.
First, check the official Camden Fire Department or Camden County OEM (Office of Emergency Management) social media pages. They are usually the fastest with "shelter-in-place" orders. Second, if you have asthma or respiratory issues, keep your windows shut. The DEP has sensors in the area, but they don't always catch every localized plume of smoke.
Practical Steps for Your Safety
If a major fire breaks out near you, here is the non-sugarcoated reality of what you need to do:
- Don't go toward the smoke to take photos. Scrapyard smoke, in particular, is full of heavy metals and toxins from burnt electronics. It’s not just wood smoke.
- Check the Air Quality Index (AQI). Use a site like AirNow.gov and search by the 08103 or 08104 zip codes.
- Report it. If you see a small fire or illegal dumping in a vacant lot, call it in before it becomes a 4-alarm headline.
The legal battle against EMR is going to take months, maybe years. But the fact that the Attorney General is involved shows that the pressure from Camden residents is finally working. People are tired of waking up to the smell of burning plastic and metal. Today, the focus isn't just on putting out the flames—it’s about stopping them from starting in the first place.
Keep an eye on the local news feeds from NBC10 or the Jersey Vindicator for the latest updates on the court proceedings. For now, the city is a little quieter than it was last week, but the underlying tension between the community and industrial neighbors is at an all-time high. Stay safe, keep your inhalers handy if you need them, and don't ignore the smell of smoke.