Date: February 21, 2025
Location: EMR Recycling Facility, Camden, NJ

A devastating four-alarm fire erupted at the EMR metal recycling facility in Camden, New Jersey, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air, affecting residents, businesses, and commuters across South Jersey and Philadelphia. The fire, which began around 5 p.m., engulfed large mounds of scrap metal, vehicles, and industrial debris, posing significant environmental and health concerns.

What We Know So Far

  • The fire sent smoke plumes visible for miles, impacting air quality in the surrounding communities.
  • Emergency responders faced challenges due to windy conditions and limited hydrants at the site.
  • Multiple fire companies battled the flames for several hours before bringing the situation under control.
  • Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, but concerns remain about toxic exposure and long-term environmental impacts.

Who May Be Affected?

Residents, businesses, and workers near the fire site may have been exposed to hazardous smoke, airborne contaminants, and property damage. Potential risks include:

  • Respiratory issues and health complications due to prolonged exposure to smoke and toxins.
  • Property damage from fire debris and contamination.
  • Business interruptions caused by evacuations or safety concerns.
  • Long-term environmental impacts affecting nearby properties.

Legal Options for Those Impacted

We are actively investigating claims related to the Camden recycling facility fire and its impact on individuals and businesses in the surrounding area. If you or a loved one have experienced health issues, property damage, or financial losses due to this fire, you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact Us Today

If you believe you have been affected, our legal team is here to help. Fill out our contact form or call us for a free consultation to explore your legal options.

Sauder Schelkopf and co-counsel reached a $10.3 million settlement on behalf of businesses impacted by a massive power outage and evacuation caused by a bridge builder on the Outer Banks. Joe Sauder also has a history of environmental litigation where he assisted with the trial of the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant in Colorado, which ultimately resulted in a $375 million settlement.

Experience Matters

Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. The firm currently serves as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country.  The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $500 million on behalf of their clients and class members. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards honor Pennsylvania law firms and attorneys who have made a significant, positive impact on the legal profession. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year (Specialty Area category; runner-up), an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. This recognition was based on the firm’s 2021 litigation work and its important ongoing cases. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022.  This list notes: “From the opioid epidemic to toxic substances and defective products, truck accidents to wildfires and sexual abuse, these are the lawyers who stand on the front line in individual lawsuits and class actions seeking justice.” Mr. Schelkopf was named to Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers® 2022 for Class Actions/Mass Tort Litigation. The American Lawyer named Mr. Sauder to its 2021 Northeast Trailblazers. The honor recognizes 60 lawyers who are “truly agents of change.” It “recognizes professionals in the Northeast who have moved the needle in the legal industry.” The Legal Intelligencer named Mr. Sauder and Mr. Schelkopf in its 2020 Pennsylvania Trailblazers list recognizing 31 lawyers who “have taken extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes . . . and who are truly agents of change.” The Legal highlighted the firm’s innovative work on advocacy as class counsel in large institutional sex abuse cover-ups, women’s, and children’s rights. Our attorneys have also consistently been recognized by their peers being named to Pennsylvania SuperLawyer, a distinction held by the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania.  Our attorneys have also been selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania.

We Want to Hear from You

If you were impacted by this incident and you’d like to learn more about our case investigation, please feel free to complete the form on this page.