By Alexandra Simon, CBS News
Nearly two months after a massive four-alarm fire broke out at the EMR Metal Recycling facility in Camden, New Jersey, the company has committed to investing millions of dollars back into the community.
“Let’s be clear, EMR is being held accountable,” Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen said.
Carstarphen detailed the new agreement between the city and EMR after the inferno raged out of control, sending toxins into the air. The mayor says EMR will now invest $6.7 million into the community, $4.5 million will be committed this year and $450,000 will be paid annually over the next five years.
“EMR will reimburse the city for losses fighting the fire, they will invest $3 million back into the waterfront south neighborhood,” Carstarphen said.
The fire broke out on Friday, Feb. 21, around 5 p.m. at the EMR scrap metal plant on the 1500 block of South 6th Street in South Camden, and burned for more than six hours before crews from nearly 20 departments brought the blaze under control. Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
EMR says it will now reduce its footprint in the city by nine acres, limit materials and increase inspections at the site. It will also install an aerial fire suppression system that includes heat detection cameras to identify potential hot spots and develop a text notification system for residents.
Related:
Camden, EMR negotiate $6.7M agreement following four-alarm fire (NJBIZ)
Find out how residents may benefit (FOX News)
EMR to invest in fire-suppression system (Courier-Post)
Camden City Council approves regulating lithium-ion batteries after massive EMR fire
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