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Monday, feb 17
Tag:
Firefighting
Police & Fire
Firefighters Battle Massive Jackson House Fire For Hours
Firefighters from all four Jackson Fire Companies battled a large structure fire for nearly four hours on Saturday, Feb. 1, requiring backup from multiple neighboring departments, Fire Company No. 2 said. The fire broke out along Perrineville Road, in Station 56’s First Due area at approximately 4:45 p.m., prompting an immediate response. Assistant Chief 5610 arrived and transmitted a second alarm, bringing in additional resources from the Millstone Township Fire Department and other mutual aid partners to assist and cover Jackson’s firehouses. Because the fire was located in a non-hydrant …
Police & Fire
Little Egg Harbor Muffler Shop Fire Sends Thick Smoke Over Ocean County (
Photos
)
A fire that reportedly broke out at a muffler shop in Little Egg Harbor sent thick smoke billowing over Ocean County on Tuesday evening, January 28. The blaze erupted around 5 p.m. at a business located at 1110 Radio Road, authorities said. Photos taken by Jo Lucas captured plumes of smoke rising into the sky as the sun set over the area. Firefighters responded to the scene as smoke spread across the neighborhood. Officials have not yet released details on the cause of the fire or any potential injuries. Thick black smoke from a fire in a muffler shop in Little Egg Harbor on the New Je…
News
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16. The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues. The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
Obituaries
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires
A former child star and motivational speaker is among the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, his family has confirmed. Click here for a new, updated story - Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed Rory Sykes, 32, an Australian who gained media attention as a boy for sharing his experiences living with disabilities, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at his family’s estate in Malibu, his mother, Shelley Sykes, announced in a post on X. “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yeste…
Police & Fire
Firefighters Battle Central Jersey Blaze Into Early Hours Of New Year's Day
Firefighters worked tirelessly into the early hours of New Year’s Day to combat a blaze that broke out in Central Jersey. Piscataway Fire District #3 units arrived at the scene on West 4th Street just after midnight to find a working fire and immediately struck a box alarm, according to the River Road Fire Company. As the fire escalated, a second alarm was issued, prompting River Road Fire Company Truck 2 to respond. The River Road truck crew was tasked with fire suppression and overhaul operations on the second floor of the house. Firefighters located and extinguished multiple hot spots us…
Police & Fire
Burglar From Asbury Park Ignited Fire That Destroyed Deal Home, Prosecutors Say
An Asbury Park man was accused of arson and burglary after a fire destroyed a Deal home, authorities said. Nasyr-Alaire Fisher, 20, was arrested on Sunday, Dec. 29, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release. Firefighters responded to the two-alarm house fire on Lady Bess Drive at around 6:31 a.m. Crews put out the flames and remained at the scene for about five hours, the Deal Fire Department said in a Facebook post. Neptune City and Wanamassa firefighters also responded to the scene. Investigators identified Fisher as the person responsible for starting the fire.…
Police & Fire
Photo Released Of People Wanted In Suspicious Wildfire Near South Jersey Sculpture: Troopers
Troopers have shared a photo of five people that may be linked to a suspicious wildfire that scorched 40 acres near Hainesport Township’s iconic "Big Rusty" sculpture, authorities said. State police released the photo of what appeared to be five teens or young adults in a Facebook post on Friday, Dec. 6. They were wanted in connection with the Big Rusty Wildfire, which erupted on Monday, Nov. 18, and threatened 20 homes. The wildfire ignited near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court at approximately 4:39 p.m. The surveillance photo showed one person in a red or pink hoodie, another wearing a hoodie…
Police & Fire
Wildfire Near Large South Jersey Sculpture Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating
Troopers were asking for the public's help after a wildfire near a well-known sculpture in Hainesport was ruled suspicious, authorities said. State police have launched an investigation into the Big Rusty Wildfire, troopers said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Nov. 21. The blaze that ignited near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court on Monday, Nov. 18 scorched 40 acres and threatened 20 homes. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said no evacuations were needed and the wildfire was fully contained by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Crews have remained on-site to monitor the area for flare-…
Police & Fire
Second Teen Charged With Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes: Police
A second Marlton boy was accused of arson, sparking a wildfire that threatened more than a dozen homes in Burlington County, authorities said. The 14-year-old was charged with second-degree aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, the Evesham Township Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Another 14-year-old boy was previously arrested and given the same charges. Officers responded to the forest fire off Sycamore Drive near the border with Berlin Township at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. It took firefighte…
Police & Fire
Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles
A wildfire that sent heavy smoke into the sky over a Lakewood golf club has been tamed, officials said. The Lakewood Country Club wildfire was 100 percent contained by 9 a.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The roughly 35-acre fire burned dangerously close to the golf course and Pine Park. What began as a fast-moving threat on Monday, Nov. 18 initially put six buildings on Seminole Drive at risk. Crews rushed to the blaze, preventing any building from being damaged and no evacuations were ordered. The wildfire forced Clearstream Road to close betwe…
Police & Fire
Update
: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres
Firefighters have contained about half of a wildfire in Lakewood, where flames have scorched dozens of acres, officials said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the 35-acre wildfire was about 50 percent contained as of around 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The fire was burning near Pine Park and the Lakewood Country Club. Clearstream Road remained closed between Brewers Bridge and Hope Chapel Road as crews continued their work. To combat the flames, crews have deployed fire engines, bulldozers, a helicopter, and ground teams to the site. Six buildings on Seminole Drive were …
Police & Fire
Photos Show Firefighters Battling 40-Acre Burlington County Forest Fire (
Update
)
A 40-acre wildfire that threatened 20 homes in Burlington County has been fully contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. WILDFIRE UPDATE: Big Rusty Wildfire - Hainesport, Burlington County At 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the New Jersey... Posted by New Jersey Forest Fire Service on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Crews achieved 100% containment of the Big Rusty Wildfire near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, two days after flames erupted. While no evacuations were required, residents are advised that smoke may linger in the…
Police & Fire
Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes, Police Say
A Marlton boy was accused of starting a wildfire that threatened more than a dozen homes in Burlington County, authorities said. The 14-year-old was charged with second-degree aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, the Evesham Township Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Officers responded to the forest fire off Sycamore Drive near the border with Berlin Township at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. It took firefighters several days to extinguish the roughly 52-acre wildfire. The blaze threatened 15 homes…
Police & Fire
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…
Police & Fire
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…
Police & Fire
House Evacuations Ordered For 'Major' Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey
Crews were battling a 200-acre wildfire in Evesham Township, the second one burning in a very dry South Jersey, officials said. As of Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7, 104 structures were threatened and 12 were evacuated due to the fire in the Kettle Run section of Evesham, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. The Forest Fire Service has responded with fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews, a helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water at a time, an observation chopper, and more, the agency said. There was also a 300-acre wildfire burning in Jackson Township. The…
Police & Fire
300-Acre Wildfire Burns In Jackson: What We Know
More than a dozen homes were evacuated because of a wildfire in Jackson Township that erupted Wednesday evening, Nov. 6, officials said. The 300-acre Shotgun Wildfire was about 40 percent contained as of 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. The fire was in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area near Stump Tavern Road. There were 25 structures threatened by the blaze and 15 homes were ordered to evacuate on Wednesday, Nov. 6.Those who evacuated were allowed to return home by 9 p.m. Six structures remained threatened as…
Police & Fire
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…
Police & Fire
Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say
A Toms River man was accused of intentionally starting a fire in Brick Township, injuring three firefighters, authorities said. Charles Maulbeck, 51, was charged with aggravated arson, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Brick Township police saw smoke and heavy fire at a home on Falkenberg Road on Friday, Sept. 13. Two firefighters were treated and released from a nearby hospital, while a third declined medical attention. Investigators said the fire started in the north side of the home's split basement by someone who used "a…
Police & Fire
Fire Breaks Out at Somerset County Restaurant: Firefighters
The Station Tavern in Bernardsville caught on fire on the early morning of Tuesday, Sept. 24, authorities said. At 2:10 a.m., firefighters in Bernardsville responded to the restaurant at 45 Mine Brook Rd. after receiving reports of smoke in the building and found an active fire, Bernardsville Fire Co. No. 1 & First Aid Squad said. Mutual aid responded to assist, firefighters said. Firefighters declared the fire under control after an hour and units operated on scene for two hours, firefighters said. There were no reported injuries, firefighters said.
Police & Fire
BF Set GF's House On Fire After Being Kicked Out In Central Jersey, Police Say
A 50-year-old man has been arrested after police say he set his girlfriend's house on fire in South Brunswick. Officers were called to the home at 155 Old Beekman Place by a resident around 3 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, asking for help making Leonard Jones IV leave the home, South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said. Boyfriend charged with setting fire to girlfriend’s parents home. Three residents escaped the fire.#Arson pic.twitter.com/rtdaS7YJDv — So Brunswick PD (@SoBrunswickPD) September 3, 2024 As officers were responding, a second 9-1-1 call came in, this one saying the …
Police & Fire
Boat Explosion Launches Victim Into Water At NJ Marina, 2 Injured (
Update
)
Two people were injured in a fiery boat explosion at a New Jersey marina Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28, police said. The explosion at the Route 35 Raritan Marina in Laurence Harbor caused a 57-year-old Old Bridge resident to be launched into the water, police said. He was rescued by bystanders and airlifted with burns to his face and legs. First responders battle boat fire at Raritan Marina in Old Bridge, New Jersey https://t.co/vX7KGJm5W4 pic.twitter.com/rw9qXFZgPQ — Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) August 28, 2024 A 47-year-old South Amboy resident suffered blast injuries from gla…
Police & Fire
Four Marina Employees Suffer Smoke Inhalation During Boat Fire In Wildwood, Firefighters Say
Four people suffered smoke inhalation after a large boat caught fire at a marina in Wildwood, officials said. The fire started on the boat docked at Schooner Island Marina at around 12:39 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, the City of Wildwood Fire Department said in a Facebook post. When firefighters arrived, they found the roughly 42-foot boat named "Luv-It" engulfed in flames. The fire spread to the dock and a nearby small shed. The boat eventually sank from the weight of the water firefighters sprayed to extinguish the flames and foam was used to put out a fuel fire on the water. …
News
Wildfire Consumes 450 Acres Of Wharton State Forest (
Updated
)
A wildfire has consumed 450 acres in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County, authorities said on Friday, July 5. The "Tea time Hill" wildfire had not been contained at all as of 3 p.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. The Forest Fire Service is on scene of the wildfire burning in the area of the Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill in Tabernacle Township, the state agency said on Facebook. A hunting club and one home were threatened by fire, the agency said. The Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest has been evacuated, it said. Local forest roads were closed nearby. Later…
Police & Fire
Popeyes Restaurant Catches Fire In Central Jersey, Route 35 Closed As Crews Battle Flames
Firefighters were battling a large fire at a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant in Monmouth County, officials said. The Red Bank Fire Department responded to the scene, according to a Facebook post at 6:50 a.m. on Friday, July 5. The fast food restaurant is located on Route 35 near Wolcott Park and the intersection with Route 71. July 5, 2024 Structure Fire — Popeyes (RT 35) Red Bank Fire Department Engine 94 on the scene in Eatontown, ((Mutual Aid Response )) Photo credits from all departments Posted by Red Bank Fire Department on Friday, July 5, 2024 The state Department o…
Lifestyle
Family Affair: Father, Son Serve Together At This New Jersey Fire Department
Helping others runs in the Rice family’s blood. Matthew Rice, 23, grew up surrounded by it. His grandmother was an ICU nurse, his grandfather a police officer, and his dad, Dave, 47, is an EMT and firefighter. Matthew himself just graduated with his master’s degree in fire science: Explosion & investigation. One of the best ways for father and son, Dave and Matthew, to spend time together is volunteering with Toms River Fire Co. No. 2 in the Toms River Fire Department. “It can be a challenge at times volunteering together,” Dave laughed, “but it’s a lot of fun, a lot of ca…
Police & Fire
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…
Police & Fire
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-…
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