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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
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
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
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…
Boonton Home Uninhabitable After Two-Alarm Blaze: Firefighters
A home on Boonton was left unhabitable following a two-alarm fire on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 6, authorities said.
At 1:18 p.m., firefighters responded to Hillcrest Drive for a report of a structure fire, the Boonton Fire Department said. Upon arrival, they were met with heavy smoke and fire, and declared a second alarm, requesting additional units to the scene, firefighters said.
Firefighters requested a tanker task force and additional water supply due to the area not being protected by fire hydrants, fire officials said.
The fire took 90 minutes to be declared under control, though…
Fire Breaks Out At New Jersey's Oldest Restaurant, Firefighters Say
A 300-year-old restaurant in Morris County, billed as New Jersey's oldest, was hit with heavy smoke on the early morning of Monday, Sept. 2, authorities said.
At 3:50 a.m., firefighters in Mendham responded to a fire alarm at the Black Horse Tavern and Pub, officials said. Upon arrival, firefighters faced a heavy smoke condition and struck a first alarm, requesting mutual aid, officials said.
The fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported, firefighters said. Units remained on scene for approximately two and a half hours checking for extension and extinguishing ho…
Former Newton FD Chief Edmund Zukowski Dies, 80
Edmund Zukowski, a longtime firefighter in Newton and former fire chief died on Thursday, May 23 at the age of 80, surrounded by his family, according to his obituary.
Zukowski was born in Newton and marred his high school sweetheart Rose in 1964, his obituary reads. After graduating from Montclair State College, he began teaching at Newton High School, where he taught industrial arts until his retirement in 1998, according to his obituary.
He began volunteering as a firefighter in 1968 at the Newton Steamer No. 1 Company, serving as Steamer Company Chief from 1990 to 1990 and was Newton Fi…
