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Firefighting

Residents Reflect On Life, Legacy Of Bound Brook Police Chief Who Died Of Cancer Residents Reflect On Life, Legacy Of Bound Brook Police Chief Who Died Of Cancer
Residents Reflect On Life, Legacy Of Bound Brook Police Chief Who Died Of Cancer The Bound Brook Police Department is mourning the loss of its chief, Richard S. Colombaroni, a lifelong resident and pillar of the community whose leadership and dedication over a 40-year career left an enduring impact. Chief Colombaroni passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer, the department announced Friday, Dec. 20. He was 62 years old. A true embodiment of duty and integrity, Colombaroni began his career in 1983 as a dispatcher before attending the Municipal Police Academy in Sea Girt. That same year, he officially joined the Bound Brook Police Department as a pa…
Massive Fire Erupts In Essex County Building Massive Fire Erupts In Essex County Building
Massive Fire Erupts In Essex County Building A massive fire ripped through a building in Essex County over the weekend. The blaze out late Sunday night, Dec. 1, in a vacant three-story building on the 400 block of Main Street in Orange, formerly home to the Rossi Paint Company, according to Orange Deputy Fire Chief Elvin Padilla Jr. The Orange Fire Department, led by Deputy Chief Rivera, responded to the blaze at approximately 9:30 p.m., encountering heavy flames consuming the top floor of the structure. Mutual aid assistance was quickly called in from East Orange, West Orange, South Essex, Irvington, and Belleville Fire Departments.…
Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts On NJ's Gingerbread Castle Road, Crews Battle Blaze For 12 Hours Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts On NJ's Gingerbread Castle Road, Crews Battle Blaze For 12 Hours
Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts On NJ's Gingerbread Castle Road, Crews Battle Blaze For 12 Hours Firefighters from across Sussex and Morris counties worked tirelessly for more than 12 hours Monday, Nov. 25 to extinguish a massive commercial structure fire. At approximately 2:00 am on Monday morning the Hamburg fire department was dispatched to Gingerbread Castle Road for a... Posted by Hamburg NJ Fire & Rescue on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 Hamburg Fire Department responded to the blaze on Gingerbread Castle Road in Hamburg around 2 a.m., and quickly upgraded it to a 3-alarm fire due to its intensity.  Mutual aid units from surrounding counties and the Sussex Coun…
Four Newark Firefighters Injured In Three-Alarm Fire: Authorities Four Newark Firefighters Injured In Three-Alarm Fire: Authorities
Four Newark Firefighters Injured In Three-Alarm Fire: Authorities Four Newark firefighters were injured battling a three-alarm blaze that began on the late evening of Friday, Nov. 15, authorities said. At 11:57 p.m., firefighters responded to 11 Seymour Ave., an unoccupied residential building, Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said. The fire extended to two occupied residential buildings at 9 Seymour Ave. and 13 Seymour Ave, Miranda said. A 2nd alarm, requesting additional units to the scene, was called at midnight, and a 3rd alarm, requesting even more units, was called at 12:04 a.m., Miranda said. One fire captain and three firefighte…
Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later
Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later After almost one whole week, the Jennings Creek Wildfire had been 75% contained on Thursday, Nov. 14, officials said. The wildfire continues to burn across Passaic County, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York Department of Environmental Conservation leading containment efforts. The fire has burned 2,283 acres in New Jersey. While no structures are currently threatened or evacuated in New Jersey, residents are advised to avoid the area. Road closures remain in effect on East Shore Road from Awosting Road to Greenwood Lake Turnpike, as well as B…
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds The Jennings Creek Wildfire, now spanning 3,500 acres across Passaic County, NJ, and Orange County, NY, is only 20% contained, with strong winds and low humidity posing continued risks for rapid spread.  The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York’s Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management are working in unified command to strengthen containment lines in preparation for tomorrow’s forecasted weather. Firefighters focused efforts Tuesday, Nov. 12 on reinforcing the eastern containment line, using controlled burns to remove unburned pockets of fuel.  Resources deployed…
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York.  Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death. Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford
Air Quality Levels Improve, 3,000-Acre Wildfire Still Raging In West Milford A sprawling wildfire, now covering 3,000 acres, continues to burn through West Milford Monday, Nov. 11, however, air quality levels across the region have improved. The Jennings Creek Wildfire threatens 24 structures across both New Jersey and New York, including two homes in New Jersey, eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, and 14 structures on East Shore Road in Greenwood Lake, NY, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. As of the latest update, the fire is only 10% contained, prompting officials to close East Shore and Beech Roads, along with all tr…
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained 2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained A massive wildfire spanning 2,500 acres is burning through West Milford, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, threatening homes and historic sites as firefighters battle to contain it.  Known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, the blaze has put two residential buildings in New Jersey and 14 structures on East Shore Road in New York at risk, along with eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in the latest update Sunday morning, Nov. 10. Good Morning West Milford, Today Forest Fire will begin back burn operations in the …
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford
Dangerous Air Quality Levels Reported, New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Burns In West Milford Three active wildfires in New Jersey are keeping firefighters busy this weekend as the air quality continues to worsen. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain fires in West Milford, Pompton Lakes, and Englewood Cliffs (scroll for details on each one). AirNow.gov shows an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171, or unhealthy, across North Jersey, as of 7:30 p.m., caused by the smoke that blanketed the region. Click here to see an active AQI map or click here to check your town's AQI. Prolonged dry conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and strong winds have contribut…
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man. Authorities charged Richard Shashaty, 37, with arson after an investigation revealed that magnesium shards from a prohibited Dragon’s Breath 12-gauge shotgun round sparked the blaze on Nov. 6, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire, erupted shortly after noon on November 6 near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road. Investigators determined that the incendi…
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres
Wildfire Smoke Blankets North Jersey As Pompton Lakes Blaze Grows To 100 Acres Residents across North Jersey are facing worsening air quality due to smoke from a major wildfire burning in Pompton Lakes.  UPDATE: Unhealthy Air Quality Levels Reported In North Jersey As New 1,800-Acre Wildfire Rages Smoke from the Pompton Lakes wildfire. North Jersey Video Service or NJVS Dubbed the "Cannonball 3 Wildfire," the blaze has expanded to 100 acres with no containment, as per the latest update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. By late Friday night, Nov. 8, smoke from the raging Passaic County wildfire drifted as far as Fair Lawn, Hackensack, New Milfo…
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…
Watch Officer Who Doubles As Clark Firefighter Pull Victim From Burning NJ Home Watch Officer Who Doubles As Clark Firefighter Pull Victim From Burning NJ Home
Watch Officer Who Doubles As Clark Firefighter Pull Victim From Burning NJ Home A New Jersey police officer who doubles as a firefighter saved a woman from a burning home, and it was all caught on his body-worn camera. Clark Fire Capt. Thomas Sweeney was working his shift as a Millburn police officer when a fire broke out at a home on Old Short Hills Road around 2:45 a.m. Sunday morning, Oct. 26. The bodyworn camera footage shows Sweeney, a Clark firefighter since August 2020, running into the home without protective fire gear. Sweeney then finds an elderly woman trapped and pulls her to safety. Firefighters said all other occupants had already escaped and that the fi…
Photos: Firefighters Battle 77-Acre Forest Fire In Morris County Photos: Firefighters Battle 77-Acre Forest Fire In Morris County
Photos: Firefighters Battle 77-Acre Forest Fire In Morris County Firefighters are working to contain a 77-acre wildfire in Morris County this weekend. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said that 30% of the fire along Jacobs Road in Rockaway Township had been contained as of Sunday morning, Oct. 20. The fire threatened 30 structures but none of them were evacuated. A helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water dropped 15 loads of water on the fire Saturday, Oct. 19, the NJFFS said. The cause remains under investigation. Multiple fire departments shared stunning photos of firefighting efforts. 10-19-2024. Mutual Aid. Brush Fire Rockawa…
Wildfire Consumed 35 Acres In Pine Barrens Forest, Elevated Risk Across NJ Reported Wildfire Consumed 35 Acres In Pine Barrens Forest, Elevated Risk Across NJ Reported
Wildfire Consumed 35 Acres In Pine Barrens Forest, Elevated Risk Across NJ Reported Firefighters were battling a second wildfire in Burlington County in less than a week, officials said. Crews responded to the "multi-acre" fire near Mary Ann Forge Road in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Pemberton Township on Wednesday, Oct. 16, the state Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) said in a Facebook post. Officials said the fire had consumed 35 acres but had been 60 percent contained. No evacuations have been issued, no buildings were threatened, and no roads were closed by the wildfire. "Breezy winds with occasional gusts near 20 mph, relative humidity values n…
Two Firefighters Injured In Two-Alarm Newark Blaze: Authorities Two Firefighters Injured In Two-Alarm Newark Blaze: Authorities
Two Firefighters Injured In Two-Alarm Newark Blaze: Authorities Two firefighters were injured battling a two-alarm fire in Newark on Monday, July 22, authorities said. At 8:10 a.m., firefighters responded to a fire in the basement at 76 Barbara St., an occupied 3-story building, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said. A 2nd alarm was called, requesting additional firefighters to the scene to help stop the spread of a fire to an adjacent building, Fragé said. A firefighter sustained a leg and ankle injury after a staircase collapsed, Fragé said. Another firefighter sustained cuts to his arm, Fragé said. Both firefighters were hospi…
Route 3 Crash With Explosions Kills Tractor-Trailer Driver In Clifton (UPDATE) Route 3 Crash With Explosions Kills Tractor-Trailer Driver In Clifton (UPDATE)
Route 3 Crash With Explosions Kills Tractor-Trailer Driver In Clifton (Update) A Linden man was killed when his tractor-trailer crashed and exploded in Clifton, authorities said. The truck crashed into a barrier and caught fire on Route 3 West near Valley Road and Grove Street at around 9:07 a.m. on Monday, July 22, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes said in a news release. The 55-year-old man's body was found after Clifton firefighters put out the flames. Absolutely wild scene where Route 46 turns into Route 3 in New Jersey.Great job by Clifton police and fire department to act quick and swiftly getting the cars out of the way@NJTRANSIT @njdo…
Home Catches Fire In Bayonne (DEVELOPING) Home Catches Fire In Bayonne (DEVELOPING)
Home Catches Fire In Bayonne (Developing) Firefighters were on scene of a structure fire in Bayonne on the morning of Tuesday morning, July 9, the Bayonne Office of Emergency Management said. The fire is at West 44th Street and Avenue B, the Bayonne OEM said. Video provided by the OEM shows smoke billowing from the window. People are asked to avoid the area, the OEM said. This is a developing story, check back later for updates. To view video of the scene, click here.
HERO: Firefighter Seriously Injured Rescuing Guest Through Window In Elmwood Park Motel Blaze HERO: Firefighter Seriously Injured Rescuing Guest Through Window In Elmwood Park Motel Blaze
Hero: Firefighter Seriously Injured Rescuing Guest Through Window In Elmwood Park Motel Blaze 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: An Elmwood Park firefighter was seriously injured rescuing a trapped guest through a second-floor window during an intense motel-room fire Wednesday. The firefighter and her colleagues had smashed the window to get to the victim during the late-morning June 12 blaze at the Townhouse Inn and Suites on eastbound Route 46, Elmwood Park Borough Administrator Michael Foligno said. In doing so, she sustained a serious cut to her arm, Foligno said. Piero Fasolo The guest was helped out the window and down a ladder, he said. Both were taken to St. Joseph's University Medical Cente…
UPDATE: Dogs Die In New Milford House Fire UPDATE: Dogs Die In New Milford House Fire
Update: Dogs Die In New Milford House Fire Two dogs were killed in a New Milford house fire early Tuesday night, authorities said. The residents weren't home when the blaze broke out in the kitchen at the back of the Voorhis Avenue home and quickly spread shortly after 7 p.m., New Milford Police Chief Brian Clancy said. Borough firefighters were immediately joined by their colleagues from Oradell and River Edge, with New Milford Fire Chief Gerry Smithson operating as the scene commander, the chief said. They battled cluttered conditions along with the flames, he said. The blaze broke out in the rear kitchen at the Voorhis…
UPDATE: Ferocious Fire Displaces Dozens in Bayonne UPDATE: Ferocious Fire Displaces Dozens in Bayonne
Update: Ferocious Fire Displaces Dozens in Bayonne UPDATE: A ferocious late-night fire that consumed one Bayonne home and spread to three others displaced nearly two dozen people, authorities confirmed. No serious injuries were reported in the blaze, which ignited in a West 11th Street home off Avenue C shortly before 11 p.m. Friday, June 7, and quickly spread. Flames fully engulfed the main home and began to spread, bringing dozens of firefighters from neighboring communities. The fire was declared under control around 1:30 a.m. The speed and intensity of the blaze forced the city's bravest to "pull everything out and go on the offensive…
SICK BURN: Spurned Woman Sets Fire To Ex-BF’s Garfield Apartment, Authorities Charge SICK BURN: Spurned Woman Sets Fire To Ex-BF’s Garfield Apartment, Authorities Charge
Sick Burn: Spurned Woman Sets Fire To Ex-BF’s Garfield Apartment, Authorities Charge 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A woman who vowed to torch her ex-boyfriend's Garfield apartment carried out the threat, said authorities who arrested her after reviewing surveillance video and other evidence. Allison G. Gutierrez-Tuesta, 25, had previously damaged the victim’s car and assaulted him when he ended their relationship, according to local investigators. Shortly after 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 28, she ignited two areas of his second-floor Passaic Street apartment near the Garfield train station, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. One was in his bedroom and the other in the hallway. Gutierrez-…
CPA Firefighting Hero From Bergen Admits Role In $650,000 Tax Dodge CPA Firefighting Hero From Bergen Admits Role In $650,000 Tax Dodge
CPA Firefighting Hero From Bergen Admits Role In $650,000 Tax Dodge 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A decorated veteran Bergen County firefighter admitted in federal court on Wednesday that he and his business partner conducted a blatant tax dodge on behalf of a bunch of construction companies that employed their New York accounting firm. Jack N. Sardis, 66, of Englewood Cliffs admitted that he schemed to con the IRS with his partner, George Sanossian, 70, of Scarsdale, out of a small CPA office in a massive Westchester County shopping center. Sardis also offered to do business elsewhere, telling one client "I can meet you at my firehouse,” according to an IRS complaint. The clie…
Chemical Extinguisher Helps At Northvale Machine Shop Fire Chemical Extinguisher Helps At Northvale Machine Shop Fire
Chemical Extinguisher Helps At Northvale Machine Shop Fire Firefighters used a high-volume dry chemical extinguisher to help with a machine shop blaze in Northvale. The Livingston Street fire ignited shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday, May 16. The Paramus Fire Department’s Foam Unit provided a significant assist extinguishing flames on aluminum shavings that were placed in metal barrels and brought outside. Crews remained at the scene until about 7:30 p.m. Firefighters who went into the building were sent to a decon station due to burning metals and materials. Other mutual aid companies at the scene and in coverage included firefighters from Closter…
Firefighters Quickly Douse Rapidly Spreading Fair Lawn House Fire Firefighters Quickly Douse Rapidly Spreading Fair Lawn House Fire
Firefighters Quickly Douse Rapidly Spreading Fair Lawn House Fire 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Fair Lawn firefighters quickly doused a blaze that began in a basement and spread through a local home. “Basement fires can be extremely dangerous to our crews. There was a lot of smoke in the basement, making locating the fire very difficult,” Fair Lawn Fire Chief Pete Yuskaitis said after the 31st Street blaze was doused early Monday evening. “The crews did a great job fighting the heat to get to the fire and extinguish it,” the chief said. The call to the two-story home on 31st Street came in at 6:38 p.m. May 6, Yuskaitis said. The fire quickly escalated to a second alarm, brin…
Newark Firefighter Injured In Three-Alarm Blaze: Authorities Newark Firefighter Injured In Three-Alarm Blaze: Authorities
Newark Firefighter Injured In Three-Alarm Blaze: Authorities One firefighter was injured and nearly 40 people were displaced following a three-alarm blaze in Newark on Monday, April 22, authorities said. At 6:59 p.m., firefighters responded to a fire at 576 Broadway, an occupied 3-story, multi-use, multi-family building, that also houses a supermarket and El Kiosko Restaurant and Grill, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said. Firefighters observed a heavy fire upon arrival, and immediately called a 2nd alarm, requesting additional firefighters to the scene, Fragé said. The fire extended to adjacent occupied buildings, including a li…
Man Found Dead In Paterson Basement Fire Man Found Dead In Paterson Basement Fire
Man Found Dead In Paterson Basement Fire 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Authorities were trying to identify a man found dead in a basement fire in Paterson -- and determine whether or not he was killed in the blaze. Firefighters called to 465 Hamilton Avenue shortly before midnight Sunday, April 14, found the body while dousing the flames in the basement of the 2½ wood-frame home, authorities confirmed mid-Monday morning. The New Jersey Medical Examiner's Office is assisting in the identification of the victim, according to a joint statement issued by Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and including Paterson Police Officer In Charge Isa Ab…
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Mercer County Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Mercer County
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Mercer County Firefighters were battling a three-alarm blaze at a storage center in Mercer County. The fire broke out at about 12:40 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 at 3828 Quakerbridge Road in Hamilton Township, according to firefighters. ROAD CLOSURE ALERT: Quaker Bridge Rd is closed for two blocks in Hamilton Twp due to a fire in the area. First responders are on the scene and will reopen the road as soon as possible. Posted by Mercer County, New Jersey on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 Photos at the scene show the blaze broke out at a storage center.
Police Car Struck, Vehicle Thieves Captured After Crash In Garfield: Authorities Police Car Struck, Vehicle Thieves Captured After Crash In Garfield: Authorities
Police Car Struck, Vehicle Thieves Captured After Crash In Garfield: Authorities A driver wanted for hitting a police cruiser with a stolen BMW was nabbed by Garfield police after he crashed into a pole, igniting a fire, and took off on foot, authorities said. Garfield police spotted the orange 2020 BMW M4 shortly before noon Wednesday, March 27, after colleagues from Newark who were tracking the vehicle via GPS pointed them to Prospect Street after one of their vehicles was hit, Capt. Mario Pozo said. Garfield Police Officer Noah Murphy tried stopping the sedan moments later, the captain said, but the driver threw it in reverse, hit the gas and accidentally slammed int…
Fire Ravages Hillsborough Garage: FD Fire Ravages Hillsborough Garage: FD
Fire Ravages Hillsborough Garage: FD Fast-working firefighters were able extinguish a blaze in a Hillsborough garage early Monday, March 25, authorities said. At 4:55 a.m., officers  responded to 201 Woods Rd. and found a detached garage on the property fully engulfed in flames and heavy smoke, Hillsborough Township Police said.  Firefighters arrived on scene and quickly extinguished the fire, police said. The garage was unoccupied and no injuries were reported, police said. The Hillsborough Township Police Department and the Hillsborough Township Bureau of Fire Safety are investigating the blaze, which is not consi…