On January 3, 2026 at approximately 1944 hours, the Camden County Fire Alarm Room transmitted a box for the Camden Fire Department for the report of a fire at the Red Flea Market building at 2820 Mt. Ephraim Avenue. The old Red Flea Market building was a large, one story commercial building. The building had been vacant and vandalized for several years and was boarded up. The front section of the building was most problematic as it was a wooden structure with wood interior partitions and wood roof components. The rear part of the building was of non combustible construction and with little contents. First arriving units reported fire through the roof in the front section of the building. Engine Co 10 was the first due engine and quickly engaged in the fire fight by stretching a 2 1/2” handline. Squad Co 7 was next to arrive and quickly went to work with placing their Blitzfire appliance to work. 

First due chief, Camden Battalion Chief, Mike Miller, requested the second alarm within a few minutes to bring in additional units for water supply and master streams. The fire was very advanced and ladder companies were placed around the building to hit the fire from an elevated position in an attempt to stop the progression of fire. Large volumes of water were needed to supply the master streams that surrounded the building and there was some delay as water had to be resourced from several blocks away involving long hose lays. Camden Fire Chief, Jesse Flax, arrived, assumed command and ultimately transmitted the third and fourth alarms before placing the fire under control at approximately 2127 hours. Large areas of the building collapsed and firefighters remained on location for several hours continuing to hose down hot spots. Two firefighters were reported injured with non life threatening injuries. Camden, Camden County, and State agencies are investigating the fire.