Note: This report concerns Camden, New Jersey, USA, not the London Borough of Camden.
Phased reopening after a series of fires
Scrap metal group EMR has restarted activities at its Waterfront South operation in Camden, New Jersey, following a run of fires that disrupted work. The company confirmed a limited resumption on 13 July 2026 and is targeting a return to full throughput by 17 July 2026. The move is coupled with a comprehensive overhaul of safety practices centred on a new framework designed to reduce fire risks, particularly from lithium‑ion batteries entering the scrap stream.
FireSMART: a structured approach to risk
EMR has introduced an operational programme it calls FireSMART, a structured set of controls that run across the handling process. The framework is organised under five themes — Source, Manage, Assess, Respond and Train — intended to apply at every stage, from intake to incident response and staff development.
- Source: tighter scrutiny of incoming materials to identify batteries and other hazard sources.
- Manage: adjusted yard configuration and volumes to limit fire load and spread.
- Assess: enhanced inspections supported by thermal scanning technology.
- Respond: revised on‑site procedures and equipment to act quickly if heat is detected.
- Train: routine instruction for personnel on recognising and handling battery‑related risks.
“The site resumed limited activities on July 13, 2026, and anticipates a return to complete operational capacity by July 17, 2026.”
Physical changes on site and 24/7 monitoring
To support the relaunch, EMR has re‑laid the yard with a focus on separation and visibility. Stockpiles are being kept to smaller volumes and divided by fire breaks; handling areas are now specifically designated, and processing timetables have been changed to avoid materials building up unprocessed. Incoming loads will be screened more closely by trained staff using thermal scanners. Around‑the‑clock measures include a 24/7 fire watch, thermal imaging coverage, automated water cannons for suppression, and updated emergency protocols.
Why this matters
Scrap operations worldwide are contending with an increasing incidence of fires linked to damaged or discarded batteries in everyday products, from mobility devices to power tools. EMR’s steps in Camden, NJ, point to an emphasis on early identification, limiting combustible mass and rapid intervention — an approach likely to inform practice across similar facilities. While the geography is different, the underlying risks and mitigations are of clear interest to communities and regulators wherever recycling and waste sites sit close to homes and businesses.
Timeline at a glance
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Limited restart | 13 Jul 2026 |
| Planned full capacity | 17 Jul 2026 |
EMR states that staff will receive regular training specific to the hazards presented by lithium‑ion batteries. The company has also signalled a longer‑term commitment to continuous monitoring, with technology and human oversight intended to work in tandem as volumes and material mixes change.
As the facility moves from restricted activity to full operations, performance of the FireSMART measures — from intake checks to automated suppression — will be central to maintaining continuity and public confidence following the previous incidents. No further operational details have been published beyond the measures and dates set out above.
