Massive Brush Fire Contained, But Shelter-In-Place Still In Effect In Camden Co.

ATCO, NJ — A major brush fire that broke out at a recycling facility in Atco has been contained. But nearby residents were advised to stay inside Monday because of air quality in the immediate area.

The fire emerged at 4:22 p.m. Sunday at Wade Salvage's junkyard on 225 Jackson Rd., prompting voluntary evacuations at about 50 surrounding homes, officials said.

Firefighters from three counties have contained it to the 15-acre site. But first responders will remain on-site for the next 2 to 3 days to fully extinguish it, Camden County officials said Monday morning.

Jackson Road remains closed from Cooper to Hopewell roads as of that time.

A shelter-in-place remained in effect for Anderson Road residents because of air-quality monitoring by Camden County Hazmat crews.

Hundreds of first responders from Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties contained the fire and protected nearby homes and facilities.

Dry and windy conditions fueled the fire, threatening dozens of homes just outside the facility on Sunday. Winds in the area exceeded 40 mph on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

It's unclear what caused the fire as of this writing.