Philadelphia, PA – A persistent fire that engulfed a barge loaded with scrap metal in the Delaware Bay was brought under control after burning for over 24 hours, according to officials from Delaware’s Department of Emergency Management.
The blaze ignited early on March 10, 2026, aboard an unmanned barge in the Delaware Bay, sending thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. No injuries were reported, and the U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the fire. The incident involved coordinated efforts from firefighting teams across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and federal agencies, highlighting the regional impact on the Delaware River waterway.
The barge, owned by the Camden, New Jersey-based scrap metal company EMR, was carrying cargo that originated in Bayonne, New Jersey. Following the outbreak, the vessel was towed approximately two miles off Maurice River Cove to an anchorage on the New Jersey side of the bay, away from the main shipping channel. This maneuver allowed firefighters to combat the flames without disrupting maritime traffic.
Firefighting operations extended into March 11, with crews battling the stubborn blaze using water from multiple fireboats. Thermal imagery confirmed the fire was fully extinguished by Wednesday morning, as stated by Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Matthew West. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency supported the response, emphasizing the diligent work of multiple fire companies to minimize environmental and waterway impacts.
Once deemed stable, plans were set to tow the barge north along the Delaware River to EMR’s facility in Camden for offloading the damaged scrap metal. This salvage operation underscores the logistical challenges posed by such incidents in a busy commercial corridor.
The event drew attention due to EMR’s history of fire-related issues. In January 2026, the state of New Jersey filed a lawsuit against the company for violations stemming from 12 hazardous scrap yard fires over the previous five years. These incidents have raised ongoing concerns about fire safety at scrap processing sites along the waterfront.
Environmental experts expressed worries about potential air quality impacts from the burning materials. Jane Clougherty, a professor of environmental and occupational health at Drexel University, noted that scrap metal from earlier eras could contain high levels of lead in both the metals and paints used on them. “It was likely a very toxic mix,” Clougherty said, highlighting the risks of inhaling fumes from such a conflagration.
The Delaware Bay, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean, serves as a critical pathway for commerce and recreation, making swift containment essential to prevent broader disruptions. Officials from the Coast Guard’s Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received the initial report around 1 a.m. on March 10, prompting an immediate multi-agency response.
This incident serves as a reminder of the hazards associated with transporting industrial materials via waterway, particularly in a region prone to such operations. While no immediate threats to public health were reported, the event has prompted discussions on enhanced safety protocols for barge operators and scrap handlers in the tri-state area.
Delaware River, barge fire, scrap metal, Coast Guard, EMR Camden, environmental impact, Delaware Bay For more information, visit WHYY.