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Fire Safety

Prosecutor IDs Man Killed In Ocean County Fire Prosecutor IDs Man Killed In Ocean County Fire
Prosecutor IDs Man Killed In Ocean County Fire A 75-year-old man has died after suffering serious burns in a house fire in Ocean County, authorities said. First responders from the Lacey Township Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the reported structure fire on Signal Street at approximately 5:50 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Upon arrival, they found the homeowner, identified as Edward Teixeira, outside the residence with severe burns. Teixeira was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 4, the prosecutor said. A j…
Two People Injured In 'Stubborn' Jersey Shore Blaze During Busy, Frigid Day For Firefighters Two People Injured In 'Stubborn' Jersey Shore Blaze During Busy, Frigid Day For Firefighters
Two People Injured In 'Stubborn' Jersey Shore Blaze During Busy, Frigid Day For Firefighters Two people were hospitalized after their Asbury Park home caught fire two days before Christmas, officials said. Dispatchers first received calls about the fire on Ridge Avenue at around 11:52 on Monday, Dec. 23, the Asbury Park firefighters union said in a Facebook post. Asbury Park and Neptune firefighters initially responded but crews from Long Branch, Wanamassa, Tinton Falls, and Glendola were soon called to help. "This fire proved to be stubborn but companies worked hard to contain and eventually knock down the fire," the firefighters union said. 12/23/2024: Working Fire on Ridge…
Electrical Failure Ignites Massive Fire In Ocean County Electrical Failure Ignites Massive Fire In Ocean County
Electrical Failure Ignites Massive Fire In Ocean County A fire sparked by an electrical failure severely damaged an Ocean County home Friday night, Nov. 29, leaving the house uninhabitable, police said. Officers responded to 137A Hudson Parkway in Manchester Township around 9:23 p.m., after receiving reports of an active structure fire, police said. Upon arrival, smoke and flames were seen emanating from the rear exterior of the home. First responders quickly confirmed that all adjoining residences were either unoccupied or self-evacuated, the Manchester Township Police Department said. Multiple fire departments worked together to extinguis…
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…
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…
Townhouse Fire Displaces Family In South Brunswick: Police Townhouse Fire Displaces Family In South Brunswick: Police
Townhouse Fire Displaces Family In South Brunswick: Police Residents of a townhouse in South Brunswick were displaced by a fire, authorities said. South Brunswick police and all three South Brunswick Fire Companies were dispatched to Cotoneaster Court in the South Ridge Hills complex for a reported structure fire at about 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, First arriving police officers reported a working fire with residents in the process of evacuating the four-unit townhome building.  Firefighters quickly confined the fire to the living room of the one residence, placing the fire under control in less than 15 minutes from arrival. Firefighters rema…
Officer Rescuing Victim, Firefighter Hospitalized In Massive Lakewood Blaze: Prosecutor Officer Rescuing Victim, Firefighter Hospitalized In Massive Lakewood Blaze: Prosecutor
Officer Rescuing Victim, Firefighter Hospitalized In Massive Lakewood Blaze: Prosecutor A firefighter, a police officer, and a civilian were hospitalized in a fire in Lakewood caused by improperly discarded smoking material early Saturday, May 4, authorities said. Heavy flames were coming from the front and back of the house on Joe Parker Road when emergency personnel arrived around 1:20 a.m., Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Occupants of the home told responders one person was still inside. A Lakewood police officer successfully rescued him from the home. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injurie…
Man Rescued After Blowtorch Melts His Shoes To Basement Floor In Central Jersey Man Rescued After Blowtorch Melts His Shoes To Basement Floor In Central Jersey
Man Rescued After Blowtorch Melts His Shoes To Basement Floor In Central Jersey A Monmouth County man was rescued after a blowtorch melted his shoes into the ground and fumes caused him to pass out, authorities said. In a Facebook post, Keyport police said it happened on the morning of Sunday, Apr. 7. According to Lincoln Hose 2273, Keyport firefighters responded to the home on Green Grove Avenue at around 6:30 a.m. Police said the older man was using the blowtorch when it caused his shoes to melt and get stuck to the ground. The torch and fire smoke caused him to pass out from the fumes. Officers carried him out of the basement and gave him oxygen. Firefighters quick…
Propane Tank Caused Home Explosion That Killed 45-Year-Old Jersey Shore Man: Prosecutor Propane Tank Caused Home Explosion That Killed 45-Year-Old Jersey Shore Man: Prosecutor
Propane Tank Caused Home Explosion That Killed 45-Year-Old Jersey Shore Man: Prosecutor A propane tank is to blame for the home explosion that killed a 45-year-old Jersey Shore man on Tuesday, Oct. 31, authorities said. Kevin Thomas, 45, was found on his front lawn of 253 Neptune Dr., with serious burns, and airlifted to Temple Burn Center in Philadelphia after the explosion that turned into a fire ravaged his house, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Thomas died at the hospital, said Billhimer alongside Stafford Township Police Chief Thomas Dellane. The origin of the explosion was the southwest corner bedroom of the home, and that the cause of …
Lithium-Ion Scooter Battery Explodes, Ignites Fire In Wyckoff, Brings Warning From Responders Lithium-Ion Scooter Battery Explodes, Ignites Fire In Wyckoff, Brings Warning From Responders
Lithium-Ion Scooter Battery Explodes, Ignites Fire In Wyckoff, Brings Warning From Responders A lithium-ion battery that was charging in an electric scooter ignited a garage fire in Wyckoff -- and brought warnings from responders. A resident at the Meadowbrook Road home dialed 911 after going to the garage to check out a loud bang and seeing smoke and flames, Police Lt. Joseph Soto said. Firefighters contained the two-alarm blaze, although the adjoining house sustained heat and smoke damage. Firefighters nationwide say they are seeing an increasing -- and alarming -- number of fires caused by devices with lithium-ion batteries. Blazes involving the batteries are rarely a slow burn…
Ferocious Fire Destroys Little Ferry Home Ferocious Fire Destroys Little Ferry Home
Ferocious Fire Destroys Little Ferry Home UPDATE: An overnight fire consumed a private home in Little Ferry. Everyone got out OK and no injuries were reported in the blaze, which broke out in the 2½-story residence on Franklin Street, just off Redneck Avenue, shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. Firefighters met heavy flames on the second floor and attic, quickly forcing them to work from the exterior. The fire on Franklin Avenue in Little Ferry broke out around 2 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, and spread quickly.Damien Danis for DAILY VOICE A short time later the roof and entire top floor collapsed. The roof and upper flo…
HOLY SMOKES: Jersey Shore Fire Department Lands $223K Federal Grant HOLY SMOKES: Jersey Shore Fire Department Lands $223K Federal Grant
Holy Smokes: Jersey Shore Fire Department Lands $223K Federal Grant A fire department in Monmouth County has received a federal grant to upgrade its equipment. The Belmar Fire Department will receive $223,571 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to replace critical firefighter equipment that in some cases has become dangerously outdated, according to US Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican. “The volunteer firefighters of the Belmar Fire Department put their lives on the line every day to protect people and property in the borough and in neighboring towns when fires and other emergencies arise,” said Smith, a member of the …
Deck Staining Rags Cause 2nd Hunterdon County House Fire In Weeks (PHOTOS) Deck Staining Rags Cause 2nd Hunterdon County House Fire In Weeks (PHOTOS)
Deck Staining Rags Cause 2nd Hunterdon County House Fire In Weeks (Photos) The cause of a weekend fire in Hunterdon County was attributed to several rags that were used to stain a deck, marking the second fire from the same cause in a matter of weeks, authorities said. The Quakertown Fire Company responded to the blaze on Pittstown Road in Franklin Township during the afternoon on Saturday, July 16. Upon arrival, the fire was nearly out — though a follow-up inspection determined that the house had gone up in flames as a result of several rags that were used for deck staining, the department said. Meanwhile, another fire that was reported within the last five wee…
Firefighters Douse Fireworks Blaze At Lakewood Baseball Game Firefighters Douse Fireworks Blaze At Lakewood Baseball Game
Firefighters Douse Fireworks Blaze At Lakewood Baseball Game Firefighters put out a fire that broke out during a fireworks show after the Jersey Shore BlueClaws baseball game in Lakewood. "More people are watching the fire than the fireworks," a spectator commented on this Facebook video.  A fire broke out during a fireworks show after the Jersey Shore BlueClaws baseball game.Facebook/ Erin Leahy Mauterer A BlueClaws spokesman said the Lakewood Fire Department acted quickly and extinguished the fire in a safe manner on Monday night, July 4.  "It was pretty unbelievable. And the fireworks just kept going and going," said Erin Leahy Mauterer, who …
'Red Flag' Warning Issued For NJ As Risk Of Serious Fires Rises Dramatically 'Red Flag' Warning Issued For NJ As Risk Of Serious Fires Rises Dramatically
'Red Flag' Warning Issued For NJ As Risk Of Serious Fires Rises Dramatically UPDATE: A "red flag" warning continues throughout the end of the week in New Jersey out of concern that dry conditions with gusty winds could turn what ordinarily would be common brush blazes into fiercely destructive wildfires. That means watching your butts, smokers. And no campfires, bonfires or charcoal cookouts. A hazardous weather warning from the National Weather Service continued through Thursday, April 28, as well as Friday, because of the conditions. Those are: wind gusts of 35 to 45 miles an hour in some areas, humidity as low as 15% and a snowball's chance in hell of rain any …
Big Brush Fire At Bergen-Rockland Border Threatens Home Big Brush Fire At Bergen-Rockland Border Threatens Home
Big Brush Fire At Bergen-Rockland Border Threatens Home A brush fire along the Bergen/Rockland border temporarily closed the Ramapo Reservation after sending a column of smoke skyward that could be seen in Westchester. A live wire smoldering on a tree apparently ignited the blaze on Brandt Road in the Ramapo Mountains in Hillburn, bringing firefighters from both counties, shortly before 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 15. Of immediate concern was the non-profit Tevaland animal sanctuary on the New York side, as well as a home on Split Rock Road in Mahwah with propane tanks. Neither was damaged, responders said. "We are grateful to all the firefighters…
Hackensack Woman Burned On Face, Chest After Cigarette Ignites Oxygen Tube Hackensack Woman Burned On Face, Chest After Cigarette Ignites Oxygen Tube
Hackensack Woman Burned On Face, Chest After Cigarette Ignites Oxygen Tube A Hackensack smoker on home oxygen suffered burns on her chest and face after her cigarette ignited an apartment fire, authorities said. The 50-something victim was alert when she was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center following Wednesday's mishap at the Quail Heights Apartments on Prospect Avenue, city Fire Capt. Justin Derevyanik said. A man who doused the fire sustained minor burns but declined medical attention, Derevyanik said. Fire officials were investigating, the captain said. Oxygen therapy ordinarily is prescribed to people with certain cardiac or respiratory conditi…
Pre-Dawn Blaze Destroys Fire Safety Business, Apartments In Garfield Pre-Dawn Blaze Destroys Fire Safety Business, Apartments In Garfield
Pre-Dawn Blaze Destroys Fire Safety Business, Apartments In Garfield Flames blew through the roof and upper-floor windows of a Garfield building that houses a fire safety business and apartments, authorities said. First-responding police officers got four tenants of apartments above Firematic Safety Equipment out before part of a roof and stairwell collapsed in the two-story River Drive building shortly after 4:30 a.m., Police Capt. Richard Uram said. Firefighters battling the intense blaze from the exterior needed about an hour and a half to get the bulk of it knocked down. They had it under control another hour and a half later. No serious injuries were …
8 Kids, 4 Adults Dead In 'Devastating' Philadelphia Fire 8 Kids, 4 Adults Dead In 'Devastating' Philadelphia Fire
8 Kids, 4 Adults Dead In 'Devastating' Philadelphia Fire Eight children and four adults were confirmed dead in a fire that swept through a Philadelphia rowhouse early Wednesday morning, city officials said. Had the smoke alarms in the N. 23 Street building been working properly, though, things might have turned out differently, Mayor Jim Kenney's office said in a news release.  “This is, without a doubt, one of the most tragic days in our city’s history,” said Kenney, the son of a firefighter, at a news conference Wednesday. “Losing so many kids is just devastating.” Fire companies arrived at 6:40 a.m. and found heavy fire coming …
Earphones Recalled After Catching Fire, Burning Several People:  CPSC Earphones Recalled After Catching Fire, Burning Several People:  CPSC
Earphones Recalled After Catching Fire, Burning Several People: Cpsc E-filliate has issued a recall for their DEWALT Jobsite Pro Wireless Earphones, after many reports of the earphones overheating, bursting into flames, or causing minor burns to consumers. The mobile accessory store says it has received 61 reports of the earphones overheating during charging or use, including five reports of fire and four reports of minor burn injuries. Recalled DEWALT Jobsite Pro Wireless EarphonesConsumer Product Safety Commission The wireless earphones were sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other electronics stores and hardware stores nationwide and online at www.cyberg…
NJ Man Dies Trying To Light Fire Pit, Police Say NJ Man Dies Trying To Light Fire Pit, Police Say
NJ Man Dies Trying To Light Fire Pit, Police Say A 56-year-old Union County man died while trying to light a fire pit but instead sparked an explosion that may have killed him, local police said. Officers arriving at the home on Warwick Road in Hillside found the man with burns covering nearly 75 percent of his body just before 4 p.m. Monday, Hillside Police Det. Natalie Ogonowski said. The man likely added an unknown accelerant to light the fire pit, causing an explosion, Ogonowki said.
Property Owner From Wayne Charged In Sussex County House Fire That Killed Teen Girl Property Owner From Wayne Charged In Sussex County House Fire That Killed Teen Girl
Property Owner From Wayne Charged In Sussex County House Fire That Killed Teen Girl The 48-year-old owner of a Sussex County home was charged in connection to a fire that caused the death a 13-year-old girl at the property last month, authorities announced. Walter Biller, of Wayne, failed to obtain or file for proper occupancy and fire safety-related documentation before completing the lease agreement with the Davenport family in 2019, Franklin Borough police said. Therefor, he was charged in the March 19 fire at the Nestor Street home, in which 13-year-old Heaven Davenport died, authorities said. Biller was arrested on March 31, on accusations he violated laws …
Firefighter Falls Through Floor While Dousing Morris County Residential Blaze Firefighter Falls Through Floor While Dousing Morris County Residential Blaze
Firefighter Falls Through Floor While Dousing Morris County Residential Blaze A firefighter fell through the floor while dousing a stubborn house fire in Morris County Monday evening, authorities said. The blaze broke out just after 6 p.m. at a home on Sandshore Road in Budd Lake, the Hackettstown Fire Department said. Several surrounding fire companies responded to a mayday transmitted for a fireman who fell through the floor and into the basement, authorities said. The mayday was later canceled after an attic ladder was passed down to the firefighter to help him escape safely, the department said. No injuries were reported in the fire, authorities said. The Scho…
How Safe Is Your Chimney? NJ House Fire Serves As Critical Reminder How Safe Is Your Chimney? NJ House Fire Serves As Critical Reminder
How Safe Is Your Chimney? NJ House Fire Serves As Critical Reminder Firefighters quickly doused a smoky chimney blaze in Cresskill Wednesday night. Fortunately, it didn't cause the kind of damage that's possible when homeowners aren't vigilant. The Chestnut Street resident safely fled the two-alarm 11:30 p.m. blaze, Fire Chief Christopher S. Ulshoefer said. No injuries were reported. The fire, which damaged the first and second floors, was declared under control in about 20 minutes, the chief said. Mutual aid responders at the scene or in coverage included firefighters from Demarest, Dumont and Tenafly. NOTE: A vast majority of the more than 25,000 chimne…
PHOTOS: Elderly Tenant Hospitalized, 59 Evacuated In Brick Apartment Blaze PHOTOS: Elderly Tenant Hospitalized, 59 Evacuated In Brick Apartment Blaze
Photos: Elderly Tenant Hospitalized, 59 Evacuated In Brick Apartment Blaze A 75-year-old woman was hospitalized and 59 other apartment house tenants evacuated during a three-alarm fire in Ocean County, authorities said. The fire gutted a third-floor apartment at George J. Conway Towers on Chambers Bridge Road on Saturday, according to Brick Township police. At 1:56 p.m. on Saturday, Brick police and area firefighters received a call from a resident who smelled smoke and heard a smoke alarm sounding from a neighbor’s housing unit. The building is a five-story apartment complex home to mostly senior citizens. Brick Police Sgt. Mike Feeney and Patrol Officer Rich Zi…
PHOTOS: Fire Destroys Ridgefield Multi-Family Home PHOTOS: Fire Destroys Ridgefield Multi-Family Home
Photos: Fire Destroys Ridgefield Multi-Family Home Flames blew through the roof of a two-family Ridgefield home on Monday. All residents got out safely and no one was injured in the two-alarm noontime blaze, Fire Chief David Brierty said. Firefighters found the second floor and basement of the Walnut Street house fully involved, Brierty said. Part of the roof collapsed soon after. Brierty declared the blaze under control shortly before 2 p.m., the chief said. Firefighters continued to hit hot spots after that. The cause appeared accidental, Brierty said. An investigation was continuing. Mutual aid responders included firefighters from…
Palisades Park Firefighters Battle Extreme Heat, Terrain To Douse House Blaze Palisades Park Firefighters Battle Extreme Heat, Terrain To Douse House Blaze
Palisades Park Firefighters Battle Extreme Heat, Terrain To Douse House Blaze It wasn’t the easiest job: The air was thick, with temperatures still in the high 80s, when a fire broke out in a home on a Palisades Park hill at the top of a private driveway. Borough firefighters lugging hoses and ground ladders doused the Monday night blaze -- saving the house -- with no serious injuries. An air conditioning unit in back of the Chateau Road home ignited, sending flames up the vinyl siding, then into a soffit and roof rafter, shortly before 8 p.m., Fire Chief John Mantone said. Mantone’s firefighters had help at the scene from their colleagues from Ridgefield and Leoni…
VIDEO: Hoarding Conditions Accelerate New Milford House Fire, Responders Say VIDEO: Hoarding Conditions Accelerate New Milford House Fire, Responders Say
Video: Hoarding Conditions Accelerate New Milford House Fire, Responders Say UPDATE: Flames ravaged what responders said was a cluttered New Milford home Thursday night. A firefighter sustained a relatively minor injury in the three alarm fire, which began in the basement of the 2½-story Henley Avenue home at the corner of Asbury Street around 9:30 p.m., responders said. No other injuries were reported. Firefighters initially had trouble pinpointing the seat of the blaze because of hoarding conditions -- commonly called "Collyers mansion syndrome" after two wealthy Harlem brothers who died in a 1947 fire amid stacks of newspapers, books, tin cans and rotting trash.…
Firefighters Battle Fourth Of July Blaze At Former Diner Near GWB In Fort Lee Firefighters Battle Fourth Of July Blaze At Former Diner Near GWB In Fort Lee
Firefighters Battle Fourth Of July Blaze At Former Diner Near GWB In Fort Lee A firefighter was hospitalized in a destructive Fourth of July fire at the site of the former Plaza Diner near the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, responders said. The extent of injuries wasn’t immediately known. The fire, believed to be accidental, broke out in the rear of the Koryeo Grill on Lemoine Avenue around 7:45 a.m., authorities said. It quickly spread, forcing firefighters to battle it from the exterior. They had the blaze under control within two hours. The injured firefighter was brought to Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, responders said, adding that two others sus…
Two Critically Burned Victims Rescued After Porch Candle Ignites Maplewood House Blaze Two Critically Burned Victims Rescued After Porch Candle Ignites Maplewood House Blaze
Two Critically Burned Victims Rescued After Porch Candle Ignites Maplewood House Blaze UPDATE: Two men were clinging to life with critical burns after firefighters rescued them from an overnight blaze that engulfed a Maplewood home. The two-alarm fire broke out on a porch of the 2½-story wood-frame house on Essex Avenue, trapping three residents inside, around 3:20 a.m., responders said. A candle left burning on the front porch apparently was to blame, fire officials said. Police were first on the scene and got an elderly woman out, they said. Firefighters located one of the men on the first floor and rescued the other from the second floor with a ground ladder. Both were…
Family Narrowly Escapes Readington Township House Fire Family Narrowly Escapes Readington Township House Fire
Family Narrowly Escapes Readington Township House Fire A fire destroyed a home and nearly trapped the occupants early Monday morning, authorities said. Members of the Readington Police Department, Readington Volunteer Fire Company and the Whitehouse Rescue Squad responded to the Readington Road home after a resident called 911 around 12:20 a.m. Monday, township police said. The residents “narrowly escaped the blaze" after waking up to smoke alarms, police said. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by Readington Township Police and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office. "In light of this tragic loss, the Readington Police w…