NJ Sues Camden Scrap Metal Recycler Over Repeated Fires: State Targets EMR in “Public Nuisance” Lawsuit

CAMDEN, N.J. — New Jersey’s Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Protection have filed a public-nuisance lawsuit against scrap metal recycler EMR, alleging hazardous conditions at its Camden operations have contributed to repeated fires since 2020 and ongoing harm to nearby residents.

The Camden blaze that became a breaking point

The lawsuit points to a four-alarm fire on February 21, 2025 at EMR’s facility on South Front Street. Reports say smoke was visible more than 15 miles away, and dozens of residents were evacuated — with some coverage placing the evacuation figure at around 100 people.

Multiple outlets describe the fire as lasting for hours.

State: “This is a pattern”

State officials allege the Camden scrap operation has been tied to at least a dozen major/hazardous fires over roughly five years, arguing that residents should not have to live with recurring smoke events and uncertainty about air safety.

Coverage of the complaint also references other fires connected to EMR-related operations, including incidents in Newark, Bayonne, and a barge fire in the Delaware Bay.

What New Jersey wants a judge to force EMR to do

Reporting on the lawsuit describes New Jersey seeking a court order requiring EMR to implement fire-risk controls and oversight measures — including outside expert evaluation, operational changes, and ongoing reporting under a state-approved plan.

EMR response: “We’re investing”

EMR’s leadership points to a $6.7 million agreement with the City of Camden aimed at strengthening fire suppression and emergency response. Camden’s own summary says the pledge includes $4.5 million in 2025 plus $450,000 annually for five years, alongside additional fire-response related terms.

State officials publicly acknowledged the agreement but argued it does not resolve the underlying problem, noting another fire occurred after it was signed (as described in coverage).

Cause of the February 2025 fire: what’s confirmed vs. what’s alleged

This detail is disputed across coverage. One report says an official fire report later listed the cause as undetermined, though lithium-ion batteries were discussed as a potential factor early on. Another report says EMR later indicated a lithium-ion battery mistakenly brought in likely caused the blaze.

GSG Tip Line:

If you live near the Camden waterfront and have photos, evacuation stories, smoke logs, or health impacts linked to these fires, email contact@thegardenstategazette.com with the subject line: CAMDEN SCRAP FIRES.