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Firefighting

Electric Vehicle Fire Unleashes Heavy Smoke: Raritan Township Fire Company Electric Vehicle Fire Unleashes Heavy Smoke: Raritan Township Fire Company
Electric Vehicle Fire Unleashes Heavy Smoke: Raritan Township Fire Company An electric vehicle fire sent plumes of smoke into the night sky on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 16 in Raritan Township, authorities said. Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on Pasture Hill Court and found a working garage fire, with an electric vehicle on fire in the roadway, 15 feet from the residence and 10 feet from other vehicles, Raritan Township Fire Company said. Saturday evening RTFC was alerted to a reported brush fire near Ridgeview Ct. Quickly after dispatch another 911 caller... Posted by Raritan Township Fire Company on Monday, November 18, 2024 Upon disco…
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…
Residents Evacuated In Two-Alarm Fire At Florist Shop On Route 46: Mine Hill FD Residents Evacuated In Two-Alarm Fire At Florist Shop On Route 46: Mine Hill FD
Residents Evacuated In Two-Alarm Fire At Florist Shop On Route 46: Mine Hill FD A fire at a florist shop necessitated a second alarm in Morris County on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 2, authorities said. Firefighters responded to a fire at a mixed use occupancy structure on 173 Route 46 and found a fire on the first floor at Party Flower Florist Shop and transmitted a second alarm, with additional units responding to extinguish the blaze, the Mine Hill Township Fire Department said. Multiple residents were reported to be trapped on the second and third floors and were quickly evacuated, firefighters said. There was no word of any injuries.
Watch Officer Who Doubles As Firefighter Pull Victim From Burning NJ Home Watch Officer Who Doubles As Firefighter Pull Victim From Burning NJ Home
Watch Officer Who Doubles As 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…
Three Boys Alert Morris County Firefighters To Two-Alarm Blaze: FD Three Boys Alert Morris County Firefighters To Two-Alarm Blaze: FD
Three Boys Alert Morris County Firefighters To Two-Alarm Blaze: FD Some quick thinking young men alerted firefighters to what became a two-alarm fire in Morris County on Friday, Oct. 25, authorities said. At 3:10 p.m., firefighters were alerted to a fire in the White Meadow Lake section of Rockaway Township by three boys, the Rockaway Township Fire Department said. Firefighters confirmed a second fire and swiftly upgraded it to a second alarm, requesting additional units to assist with fighting the blaze, fire authorities said The fire was knocked down around 5 p.m., firefighters said. Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit was requested and assisted with sa…
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…
Boonton Home Uninhabitable After Two-Alarm Blaze: Firefighters Boonton Home Uninhabitable After Two-Alarm Blaze: Firefighters
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…
Three Pets Rescued In Sussex County House Fire: Fire Department Three Pets Rescued In Sussex County House Fire: Fire Department
Three Pets Rescued In Sussex County House Fire: Fire Department Three animals were rescued in a house fire on Newton on the early morning of Friday, Sept. 6, authorities said. At 3:55 a.m., firefighters responded to a structure fire at Hillside Terrace and learned three animals may be trapped inside the building, the Newton Volunteer Fire Department said in a release.  Firefighters searched the premises for a missing cat and a missing dog while the fire quickly spread to the front bedroom on the second floor, fire officials said. A second hose line was subsequently established upstairs, successfully extinguishing the flames, firefighters said. Cre…
Fire At Morris County's Oldest Restaurant: Firefighters Fire At Morris County's Oldest Restaurant: Firefighters
Fire At Morris County's Oldest Restaurant: Firefighters 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…
Malfunctioning Battery Causes Scooter Fire: Roxbury FD Malfunctioning Battery Causes Scooter Fire: Roxbury FD
Malfunctioning Battery Causes Scooter Fire: Roxbury FD A malfunctioning lithium ion battery led to a scooter fire in Roxbury Township on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 13, authorities said. At 9 p.m., firefighters responded to the 200 block of Center Street in Port Morris on a report of smoke coming from a basement, Roxbury Fire and First Aid Company 2 said.  Upon arrival, an electric scooter was found to be on fire in the basement, firefighters said. The scooter was taken outside and the fire was extinguished without spreading to the home, firefighters said. A preliminary investigation revealed a malfunction of the lithium ion batteries on…
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…
Former Newton FD Chief Edmund Zukowski Dies, 80 Former Newton FD Chief Edmund Zukowski Dies, 80
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…