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Firefighting

Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes, Police Say Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes, Police Say
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…
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…
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…
House Evacuations Ordered For 'Major' Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey House Evacuations Ordered For 'Major' Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey
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…
300-Acre Wildfire Burns In Jackson: What We Know 300-Acre Wildfire Burns In Jackson: What We Know
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…
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…
Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say
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…
Fire Breaks Out at Somerset County Restaurant: Firefighters Fire Breaks Out at Somerset County Restaurant: Firefighters
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.
BF Set GF's House On Fire After Being Kicked Out In Central Jersey, Police Say BF Set GF's House On Fire After Being Kicked Out In Central Jersey, Police Say
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 …
Boat Explosion Launches Victim Into Water At NJ Marina, 2 Injured (UPDATE) Boat Explosion Launches Victim Into Water At NJ Marina, 2 Injured (UPDATE)
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…
Four Marina Employees Suffer Smoke Inhalation During Boat Fire In Wildwood, Firefighters Say Four Marina Employees Suffer Smoke Inhalation During Boat Fire In Wildwood, Firefighters Say
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. …
Wildfire Consumes 450 Acres Of Wharton State Forest (UPDATED) Wildfire Consumes 450 Acres Of Wharton State Forest (UPDATED)
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…
Popeyes Restaurant Catches Fire In Central Jersey, Route 35 Closed As Crews Battle Flames Popeyes Restaurant Catches Fire In Central Jersey, Route 35 Closed As Crews Battle Flames
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…
Family Affair: Father, Son Serve Together At This New Jersey Fire Department Family Affair: Father, Son Serve Together At This New Jersey Fire Department
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…
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-…
Bathroom Ceiling Fan Blamed For House Fire In South Jersey Gated Community: Police Bathroom Ceiling Fan Blamed For House Fire In South Jersey Gated Community: Police
Bathroom Ceiling Fan Blamed For House Fire In South Jersey Gated Community: Police Firefighters quickly put out flames at a home in a gated community in Manchester Township, authorities said. Volunteer firefighters from Manchester, Ridgeway, and Whiting responded to the fire on Edinburgh Lane in the Leisure Village West community at around 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 27, Manchester police said in a news release. When firefighters arrived, they learned the fire was caused by a bathroom ceiling fan. The homeowners were not in the house during the fire and only a cleaning crew was there.  No injuries were reported and the residents weren't displaced. The Oce…
NJ Boosts Wildfire Budget Amid String Of Large Blazes, Long Season NJ Boosts Wildfire Budget Amid String Of Large Blazes, Long Season
NJ Boosts Wildfire Budget Amid String Of Large Blazes, Long Season An extra $3 million in state money will go to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service to assist in fighting wildfires, authorities said. New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, at a Thursday, Sept. 21 news conference, said funding for new firefighting equipment and staff is vital as climate change heightens and lengthens wildfire seasons in the Garden State. This year was among the busiest and longest wildfire season in a decade, state officials said. Forest Fire Service Administrator and Chief Greg McLaughlin said there is a high pr…
Two Firefighters Die Battling Huge Port Newark Ship Blaze Two Firefighters Die Battling Huge Port Newark Ship Blaze
Two Firefighters Die Battling Huge Port Newark Ship Blaze Two Newark firefighters died battling a blaze that tore through a car-carrying ship at Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal late Wednesday, officials confirmed. UPDATE: 'Hearts Are Broken': IDs Of Newark Firefighters Killed In Line Of Duty Released The firefighters had “made an attempt to extinguish the fire and, because of the intense heat, they got pushed back out of the area where the initial fire was,” Newark Fire Department Chief Rufus Jackson at a morning news conference on July 6. The Grande Costa D'Avorio apparently was headed to Brooklyn after leaving Baltimore on Sunday with mo…
HIGH DRAMA: Photog Captures NJSP Rescue Of Clifton Firefighters From Passaic River HIGH DRAMA: Photog Captures NJSP Rescue Of Clifton Firefighters From Passaic River
High Drama: Photog Captures Njsp Rescue Of Clifton Firefighters From Passaic River Freelance photographer Boyd A. Loving captured the drama Wednesday afternoon as two Clifton firefighters were plucked from the Passaic River by a New Jersey State Police chopper after they'd gone in to rescue a construction crew. The three-member crew was clearing trees and brush from the river when their boat got snagged at the top of the Dundee Dam, which has a 20-foot drop to a lower section of the river below. Firefighters from Clifton, Garfield and Elmwood Park put boats into the river to rescue the trio. At some point, the Clifton boat began to tip over the side of the falls. A fire…
NJ Firefighter Brian Letrent Dies Suddenly, 34 NJ Firefighter Brian Letrent Dies Suddenly, 34
NJ Firefighter Brian Letrent Dies Suddenly, 34 The Bayville Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own. Brian Letrent died suddenly of a medical condition on Wednesday, June 21, according to his obituary. He was 34 years old. A Toms River native, Brian was raised in Bayville and was a 2007 graduate of Central Regional High School. He enlisted in the US Army right after graduation and was deployed to Iraq for six months. From Mayor Carmen Amato. Our heartfelt condolences are with Brian Letrent and his family during this difficult time.... Posted by Berkeley Township on Thursday, June 22, 2023 Brian worked as a mechan…
Hundreds Of Firefighters Battle Warehouse Blaze In Central Jersey Hundreds Of Firefighters Battle Warehouse Blaze In Central Jersey
Hundreds Of Firefighters Battle Warehouse Blaze In Central Jersey Over 300 first-responders helped fight a fire that heavily damaged a warehouse in Central Jersey, authorities said. It took about 22 hours to put the stubborn fire out, they said. On Wednesday, May 17, at 3:45 p.m., South Brunswick police received a call reporting a fire in a commercial building at 2 Progress Road. Monmouth Junction Fire Chief Scott Smith and several police units arrived on scene at the single-story building within minutes and reported a significant amount of black smoke and flames coming from the roof of the warehouse, South Brunswick police said. Fifteen employees were…
IN CONTROL: North Jersey Wildfire 100% Contained, Threat Is Gone, Officials Say IN CONTROL: North Jersey Wildfire 100% Contained, Threat Is Gone, Officials Say
IN Control: North Jersey Wildfire 100% Contained, Threat Is Gone, Officials Say UPDATE: The wildfire that marched through West Milford the past three days is 100% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported on Saturday. The blaze, which was beaten back at first but then grew steadily over the previous 48 hours, finally topped out at 972 acres on April 15 – and that was it, the service said. Fire officials also said this would be the last of the updates from the “Kanouse Wildfire," the largest blaze in North Jersey since 2010. Ten structures in all were threatened – half of which were evacuated – yet none were seriously damaged thanks to the support of fire…
GREAT NEWS: North Jersey Wildfire 100% Contained, Authorities Report GREAT NEWS: North Jersey Wildfire 100% Contained, Authorities Report
Great NEWS: North Jersey Wildfire 100% Contained, Authorities Report UPDATE: The worst is over: The wildfire that marched through West Milford the past three days is 100% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported on Saturday. The blaze, which was beaten back at first but then grew steadily over the previous 48 hours, finally topped out at 972 acres on April 15 – and that was it, the service said. Fire officials also said this would be the last of the updates from the “Kanouse Wildfire," the largest blaze in North Jersey since 2010. Ten structures in all were threatened – half of which were evacuated – yet none were seriously damaged thanks to …
Firefighters Battle Massive Church Blaze In South Jersey Firefighters Battle Massive Church Blaze In South Jersey
Firefighters Battle Massive Church Blaze In South Jersey A fire ravaged a Florence Township church on Monday evening, March 20, and burned into the following morning. Firefighters worked to put out the 8-alarm blaze at the Fountain of Life Center, on the 2000 block of Columbus Road. Fire officials tell 6abc that kids playing basketball behind the church noticed smoke on Monday evening. The blaze climbed to eight alarms bringing fire companies from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the scene. Responders remained at the scene controlling hot spots as of 5 a.m. Tuesday, March 21. Fountain of Life Center Academy, a school next door, was not dam…
'Very Close Call': House Collapses, 22 NYC Firefighters Injured In Staten Island Blaze 'Very Close Call': House Collapses, 22 NYC Firefighters Injured In Staten Island Blaze
'Very Close Call': House Collapses, 22 NYC Firefighters Injured In Staten Island Blaze UPDATE: A total of 22 New York City firefighters were injured – three of them seriously – while battling a blaze that collapsed part of a Staten Island home, the FDNY said Friday. The good news is that all are expected to survive. Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh called the incident a "very close call for the FDNY, which could have lost three members today."   A major collapse was reported minutes into the fire, which ignited in a 2½-story side-by-side duplex on Shotwell Avenue in the Arden Heights section shortly before 1:30 p.m. Feb. 17. The fire quickly went to four alarms, with multi…
NJ Fire Chief, 54, Dies Of Complications From COVID-19 In Central Jersey NJ Fire Chief, 54, Dies Of Complications From COVID-19 In Central Jersey
NJ Fire Chief, 54, Dies Of Complications From Covid-19 In Central Jersey Devoted New Jersey fire chief and beloved father Thomas Marvits died from complications of COVID-19 on Sunday, Jan. 15 aged 54. Thomas was a dedicated member of Hillsborough Fire Company #3 (Station 38) for over a decade and eventually earned the rank of Chief, his obituary says. Meanwhile, he worked successfully in the finance industry, holding positions at Deutsche Bank, Neuberger Berman, and Thrivent Financial Services throughout his career. Thomas also served on the Congregation Council and Property Committee at Faith Lutheran Church and dutifully as an Assistant Scoutmaster for the B…
UPDATE: Firefighter Charged In Horrific 9W Crash Later Returned To Scene As Responder UPDATE: Firefighter Charged In Horrific 9W Crash Later Returned To Scene As Responder
Update: Firefighter Charged In Horrific 9W Crash Later Returned To Scene As Responder UPDATE: A volunteer firefighter charged in a horrific road-rage crash that nearly killed a fellow group of fellow Bergen County teens earlier this week left the scene and then returned as a responder, authorities said. Luke Stein, 18, who was taken into custody in Colorado on Friday, Oct. 14, became a volunteer firefighter in Alpine and Demarest earlier this year, records show.  He was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee with blue and white emergency lights on the dashboard when he pursued and then deliberately rear-ended the victims' Honda Pilot on Route 9W just after midnight on Monday, Oct. 1…
Firefighter Who Teaches High-Angle Rescue Helps Save Severely Injured Worker In Fair Lawn Tree Firefighter Who Teaches High-Angle Rescue Helps Save Severely Injured Worker In Fair Lawn Tree
Firefighter Who Teaches High-Angle Rescue Helps Save Severely Injured Worker In Fair Lawn Tree A firefighter with just the right experience helped rescue a tree trimmer who was left perilously perched in the air in Fair Lawn after a cut limb from an oak broke his leg, responders said. Firefighters couldn't get to the 42-year-old arborist from Hackensack with an aerial ladder after the mishap left him stranded on an unsteady limb 20 to 30 feet above the backyard of an Ellington Road home shortly before 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. They had to use ground ladders and ropes instead. "Coincidentally, while on his way to teach rope rescue for hostage negotiation, off-duty FF Steven Alvarez…
Jersey Shore Fire Chief Tim Pfleger Dies, 32 Jersey Shore Fire Chief Tim Pfleger Dies, 32
Jersey Shore Fire Chief Tim Pfleger Dies, 32 A Jersey Shore fire department is mourning the loss of their chief. Keyport Fire Department Chief Tim Pfleger, 32, died over the weekend, the department announced on Facebook. Pfleger had been hurt in an accident returning from the fire academy in July, NJ Advance Media reports. Pfleger joined the department as a cadet in 2007. The following year, he joined Keyport Fire Patrol, having served as a lieutenant and captain. In 2019, Pfleger was elected as the Third Assistant Chief of the Department. He served two more years as an Assistant Chief until he was elected as the 2022 Chief of Depart…
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Central Jersey (DEVELOPING) Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Central Jersey (DEVELOPING)
Firefighters Battle 3-Alarm Blaze In Central Jersey (Developing) Firefighters were battling a three-alarm house fire in Central Jersey, according to developing and unconfirmed reports. The fire was reported at about 6:30 a.m. Thursday, July 21 on Eagle Court in Old Bridge, initial reports said. The rear of a large 2.5-story home had collapsed, reports said. CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES