Massive junkyard fire contained, but burning as crews work to wrestle control

CAMDEN, N.J. – A large fire began raging at a Camden, New Jersey junkyard Friday evening.

The thick, black smoke billowed up from the fire and was visible for miles beyond the site of the fire, while up close, huge flames were seen leaping out into the sky.

What we know:

Camden Fire Department Chief Jesse Flax stated the fire broke out at a junkyard on the 1400 block of South Front Street, in Camden, around 5 p.m.

Explaining the fire scene, Chief Flax said, “We have a large trash fire, in a sense. We have vehicles, scrap metal, debris all burning right now. It’s a very large pile.”

What they’re saying:

Chief Flax said fire crews made some progress, but it was slow, due to a water situation, saying,, “We don’t have enough hydrants because we’re isolated inside of a yard. So, we’ve got to transport water from hydrants all over the city.”

Crews were asking people to avoid the area around the 1400 block of South Front Street while crews worked to douse the inferno.

What’s next:

Chief Flax said the fire department was coordinating with the city and county OEM and air quality testing was happening, in order to determine residents were not going to suffer from the effects of the smoke.

Additionally, he said if residents were feeling ill, they don’t have to remain at home, adding, “They can seek alternative shelters in the Hilton Garden Inn and the City of Camden is prepared to open their community shelters.”

He also advised residents who are feeling poorly to seek medical attention.

By late Friday night, crews had the fire contained, but were continuing to work to fully extinguish the blaze.

No injuries have been reported. No cause of the blaze was given.

New JerseyNews