Garden State Times

A significant fire at the EMR facility in south Camden City prompted a response from first responders across Camden County. The incident, which occurred over a 20-hour period, involved a three-story fire that generated smoke visible up to 15 miles away. Local officials expressed gratitude for the efforts of those who worked tirelessly to manage the blaze and monitor environmental impacts.

Commissioners highlighted the severity of the situation: "Over the last 20 hours, first responders from all over Camden County made their way into the city to assist the Camden City Fire Department with a three-story fire that had its smoke plume blanket the region."

The statement continued with concerns about safety and future prevention measures: "That said, the fact that we had to deal with a four-alarm fire is unacceptable and it was appalling that residents did not feel safe in their own neighborhood based on the thick smoke that enveloped the city and could be seen as far as 15 miles away."

Authorities are collaborating with state and federal agencies to ensure such incidents do not recur. "We are going to be talking with our partners at the state DEP and the EPA who were both on site doing air monitoring about what can be done to make our community the top priority when it comes to the operation at EMR," they stated.

The commissioners also addressed broader concerns regarding lithium-ion batteries: "These batteries burn hot and continue to cause fires throughout the nation and this is an issue that needs to be taken up by the EPA."

As of now, air quality tests have returned normal results, allowing nearby neighborhoods to lift shelter-in-place orders. The commitment remains firm to prevent similar occurrences in future.