6-alarm fire rips through metals plant in Camden, rousts neighbors

The scene just before daybreak at the Magnetic Metals plant in Camden after a 6-alarm fire raged through a mostly unused structure at the site on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. (Frank Kummer / Staff)
The scene just before daybreak at the Magnetic Metals plant in Camden after a 6-alarm fire raged through a mostly unused structure at the site on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. (Frank Kummer / Staff)
Breaking News Desk
Posted: June 20, 2012

A six-alarm blaze destroyed part of a large industrial metals plant in Camden's Cramer Hill neighborhood overnight, shooting flames high into the air for more than four hours, and forcing some residents from their homes.

The fire at Magentic Metals erupted about 10:45 p.m. Monday and was declared under control about 2:50 a.m., according to Camden Deputy Fire Chief Edward Glassman. However, crews were still poring water on parts of structure just before daybreak. Glassman said officials had no idea yet what ignited the fire.

No one was injured and the fire was contained in a three-story high, mostly unused structure of the plant, about 350-feet by 400-feet.

Firefighters from around South Jersey with a shared services agreement with Camden responded to the plant fire at 21st and Hayes, which was separated from homes only by a lot and narrow street. Some of the residents were evacuated as a precaution, though none appeared to be in danger.

Glassman said he did not believe the contents inside the part of the plant that burned did not pose a health hazard.

Magnetic Metals was founded in 1942 in Camden and now has about 76 employees. The company stamps metals for magnetic electrical circuits for devices such as ground fault circuit interrupters commonly used for the outlets in kitchens and bathrooms.

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