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Firefighting

Pilot Captures Dramatic Footage Of 70-Acre NJ Wildfire Pilot Captures Dramatic Footage Of 70-Acre NJ Wildfire
Pilot Captures Dramatic Footage Of 70-Acre NJ Wildfire A 90-acre wildfire is burning in Passaic County, and a local pilot captured it all (scroll for video). The fire, in the area of Clinton Road, is now 20% contained as of Wednesday, Sept. 3. Overnight, crews constructed containment lines and began backfire operations, officials said. No structures are threatened and no evacuations have been ordered. Clinton Road remains closed between Goldfinch Lane and Van Orden Road. Resources on scene include Forest Fire Service fire engines and ground crews. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Pilot Eric Sampson said he spotted the blaze shortl…
2 Firefighters Injured, Cat Rescued From West Milford Blaze: Officials 2 Firefighters Injured, Cat Rescued From West Milford Blaze: Officials
2 Firefighters Injured, Cat Rescued From West Milford Blaze: Officials Two firefighters were injured battling a house fire in West Milford on Saturday, Aug. 16, officials said. West Milford fire crews responded to a reported structure fire on Otterhole Road just before 10 a.m., where responders were met by heavy fire and smoke on the front of the home, the fire department said. Fire crews from Butler, Bloomingdale, Wanaque, Riverdale, and Pompton Lakes joined West Milford at the scene, officials said. Firefighters first went inside the home to fight the flames, but heavy smoke and intense heat forced them back outside, where they continued battling the fire, a…
Sussex County Brothers Race Door-To-Door, Save Neighbors From Raging Pre-Dawn Fire Sussex County Brothers Race Door-To-Door, Save Neighbors From Raging Pre-Dawn Fire
Sussex County Brothers Race Door-To-Door, Save Neighbors From Raging Pre-Dawn Fire A fire tore through a home on Main Street in Franklin Borough early Wednesday, Aug. 13, leaving the structure unsalvageable, authorities said. The blaze broke out around 4 a.m. at 139 Main Street, Franklin Borough police said. Firefighters from Franklin and multiple surrounding towns responded, but the home could not be saved. All residents were evacuated safely, police said. None of the neighboring homes were affected, and no injuries were reported to residents or first responders. Neighbor Enrique Ojeda said the tense moments began around 3:40 a.m., when his son ran downstairs to wake hi…
Decorated NYC Firefighter Killed In Hit-Run Motorcycle Crash Decorated NYC Firefighter Killed In Hit-Run Motorcycle Crash
Decorated NYC Firefighter Killed In Hit-Run Motorcycle Crash A decorated FDNY firefighter was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Manhattan. Matthew Goicochea, 31, was riding his motorcycle on the FDR Drive around 3:45 a.m. Thursday, July 25 when he collided with another vehicle and fell onto the roadway, according to police. A second vehicle then struck him before fleeing the scene. Goicochea was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No arrests had been made as of Thursday evening. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or online. Goicochea joined the department in September 2022 …
Man Snags Car Keys Off Bergen County Bar, Torches Stolen Ride: Prosecutor Man Snags Car Keys Off Bergen County Bar, Torches Stolen Ride: Prosecutor
Man Snags Car Keys Off Bergen County Bar, Torches Stolen Ride: Prosecutor A 60-year-old Hackensack man is facing a string of serious charges after police say he stole a car outside a bar in Garfield and intentionally set it on fire just a few blocks away. Troy R. Taylor was arrested on Friday, July 11, after police say he sparked a car fire in the early morning hours on Monroe Street, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said in a release Monday. At around 1:17 a.m., Garfield Police responded to a report of a stolen 2019 Honda Civic in the area. The owner told police they had placed their car keys on the bar inside a nearby tavern when they went missing, Musella…
Video Shows Troopers Carry Woman Out Of Burning NY Apartment Amid Shooting Chaos Video Shows Troopers Carry Woman Out Of Burning NY Apartment Amid Shooting Chaos
Video Shows Troopers Carry Woman Out Of Burning NY Apartment Amid Shooting Chaos As fireworks lit up the sky above Albany’s Empire State Plaza, chaos erupted blocks away — and newly released bodycam footage reveals the harrowing moments when troopers sprinted toward the danger. The dramatic video, released Wednesday, July 9, by New York State Police, captures troopers charging into smoke-filled buildings and navigating flaming debris after a teenager was shot and a fire broke out during post-fireworks pandemonium near Madison Avenue and Swan Street. It all unfolded around 10 p.m. Friday July 4, when gunshots rang out near 337 Madison Avenue, just as crowds were dispersi…
4,200-Acre Wildfire Forces Evacuations In Wharton State Forest, 5 Structures Threatened 4,200-Acre Wildfire Forces Evacuations In Wharton State Forest, 5 Structures Threatened
4,200-Acre Wildfire Forces Evacuations In Wharton State Forest, 5 Structures Threatened A major wildfire burning in Wharton State Forest has scorched 4,200 acres and is now 40% contained, state officials said Saturday morning. The blaze, known as the Mines Spung Wildfire, is burning in the area of the Carranza Memorial in Shamong Township, Burlington County, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Evacuations have been ordered at the Phillip M. Costello Preparatory Academy and Lower Forge Campground. Officials said five structures are currently threatened. Crews are working aggressively using fire engines, bulldozers, helicopters, and ground crews to build firelines …
Toms River Arsonist Admits To Starting Brick Blaze That Injured 3 Firefighters: Prosecutors Toms River Arsonist Admits To Starting Brick Blaze That Injured 3 Firefighters: Prosecutors
Toms River Arsonist Admits To Starting Brick Blaze That Injured 3 Firefighters: Prosecutors A 51-year-old Toms River man pleaded guilty on Monday, June 9, to intentionally starting a fire in Brick Township, injuring three firefighters, authorities said. Charles Maulbeck pleaded guilty to arson and criminal mischief, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Per the terms of a plea agreement, he is expected to be sentenced to three years in prison, Billhimer said. On Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, Brick Township police saw smoke and heavy fire at a home on Falkenberg Road, Billhimer said.  Two firefighters were treated and released from a nearby hospital, while a third dec…
PA Fire Chief Dies During Wildland Fire Training PA Fire Chief Dies During Wildland Fire Training
PA Fire Chief Dies During Wildland Fire Training A longtime Dauphin County fire chief died while mentoring fellow wildland firefighters in Cumberland County, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced on Friday, May 30. David Warfel, the current chief of the Carsonville Volunteer Fire Company and a beloved figure in Upper Dauphin County’s firefighting community, collapsed Thursday, May 29 at the DCNR’s Wildland Fire Academy hosted at Shippensburg University. Warfel was instructing and mentoring wildland firefighters during the training session when he passed away, DCNR officials said. He also served as th…
Firefighter Stole $6.7K From Fire Company In Bergen County: Prosecutor Firefighter Stole $6.7K From Fire Company In Bergen County: Prosecutor
Firefighter Stole $6.7K From Fire Company In Bergen County: Prosecutor A 29-year-old firefighter has been charged with stealing more than $6,700 from a volunteer fire company account in Bergen County, authorities said Friday, May 23. Adrian Oceguera, of Weehawken, was arrested in Paramus on Thursday, May 22, 2025, following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Prosecutor Mark Musella said. On Jan. 6, the office’s Confidential Investigations Unit received information about an alleged theft tied to the Fairview Fire Department. An investigation revealed a series of unauthorized ATM withdrawals and purchases made between January 2023 a…
Teens Caused $520K In Damage After Setting Fire At Park: Middlesex Police Teens Caused $520K In Damage After Setting Fire At Park: Middlesex Police
Teens Caused $520K In Damage After Setting Fire At Park: Middlesex Police Three teenagers, two 14-year-old girls and a 13-year-old boy, have been charged after setting a fire in Mountain View Park in Middlesex on Saturday, May 3, authorities said. At 7:27 p.m., law enforcement responded to the park and found a large pile of commercial park equipment on fire in the Middlesex Borough Department of Public Works lot, Middlesex Police said. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in less than 15 minutes, police said. The fire caused $520,952.00 in damage, police said. The three teenagers, all Middlesex residents, were identified and it was determined they intent…
Bonfire Left Burning Sparked 15,000-Acre NJ Wildfire, 19-Year-Old Man Charged: Prosecutor Bonfire Left Burning Sparked 15,000-Acre NJ Wildfire, 19-Year-Old Man Charged: Prosecutor
Bonfire Left Burning Sparked 15,000-Acre NJ Wildfire, 19-Year-Old Man Charged: Prosecutor A 19-year-old New Jersey man has been charged with setting the massive wildfire that scorched 15,000 acres and destroyed a commercial building this week, officials announced. Joseph Kling, of Ocean Township (Waretown), was charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson in connection with the Tuesday, April 22 blaze, according to a joint statement from Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, NJ DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, and Ocean Township Police Chief Michal Rogalski. The fire was first spotted at 9:45 a.m. by the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower, which reported seeing smoke near Jones Roa…
NJ Wildfire Explodes To 12,500 Acres: Latest From Forest Fire Service NJ Wildfire Explodes To 12,500 Acres: Latest From Forest Fire Service
NJ Wildfire Explodes To 12,500 Acres: Latest From Forest Fire Service An otherwise idyllic spring day along the New Jersey coast was darkened by thick plumes of smoke as a massive wildfire scorched through 12,500 acres — threatening homes, destroying property, and leaving thousands without power Wednesday, April 23. 🚨 A massive wildfire, dubbed the Jones Road Wildfire, is tearing through 1,200 acres in Barnegat Township’s Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, Ocean County, NJ, as of April 22, 2025, with 0% containment. Mandatory evacuations are underway for Wells Mills Road from Bryant… pic.twitter.com/61nPv8YRcH — Laszlo Varga (@LaszloRealtor) April 2…
500-Acre Wildfire Burns Through South Jersey Wildlife Area: NJ Forest Fire Service 500-Acre Wildfire Burns Through South Jersey Wildlife Area: NJ Forest Fire Service
500-Acre Wildfire Burns Through South Jersey Wildlife Area: NJ Forest Fire Service A wildfire spanning 500 acres is burning unchecked in a remote section of Peaslee Wildlife Management Area in Vineland, officials said. As of Friday afternoon, April 18, the fire was 0% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The wildfire was first detected at 12:24 p.m. by the Belleplain Fire Tower, authorities said. No structures are currently threatened, and no evacuations have been ordered, fire officials confirmed. Road closures include: Union Road between Route 49 and Mays Landing Road Bennetts Mill Road between Union Road and the Manumuskin River Resources on …
Southwest Flight’s Engine Catches Fire In Midair Southwest Flight’s Engine Catches Fire In Midair
Southwest Flight’s Engine Catches Fire In Midair A Southwest Airlines flight was forced to return to a Texas airport shortly after takeoff when its engine caught fire, prompting an emergency evacuation. The Boeing 737, which was en route to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, had to turn back to Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport at approximately 11:45 a.m. local time Thursday, April 17, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. Upon landing, firefighters swiftly extinguished the blaze, along with a small grass fire that had ignited near the runway, according to authorities. No injuries were reported among the 134 passengers on board.&nbs…
Toms River Man Started Fire In Living Room: Prosecutor Toms River Man Started Fire In Living Room: Prosecutor
Toms River Man Started Fire In Living Room: Prosecutor A 59-year-old Toms River man is facing charges of aggravated arson after he intentionally started a structure fire on the evening of Monday, April 14, authorities said. At 11 p.m., police and firefighters in Toms River responded to Winteringham Village for a structure fire, which was extinguished prior to their arrival, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. An investigation determined the fire originated in the living room and was started after Kevin Funchess used an open flame on igniteable liquid, Billhimer said. Funchess was taken into custody at the scene without incident and…
2-Alarm Structure Fire Spreads to Four Homes: Belmar FD 2-Alarm Structure Fire Spreads to Four Homes: Belmar FD
2-Alarm Structure Fire Spreads to Four Homes: Belmar FD Firefighters battled a two-alarm structure fire for hours in Belmar on the morning of Sunday, April 13, authorities said. At 6:05 a.m., first responders were at 308 13th Ave. for a porch fire, the Belmar Volunteer Fire Department said. Fire officials soon confirmed an active fire, and the blaze quickly spread to three other homes and an additional alarm was called, firefighters said. 🔥 2nd Alarm Structure Fire 🔥 This morning at 06:05, Belmar FD was dispatched to 308 13th ave for a reported porch fire... Posted by Belmar Volunteer Hook & Ladder Fire Company on Sunday, April 13…
Arsonist Sets PA Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence On Fire Arsonist Sets PA Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence On Fire
Arsonist Sets PA Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence On Fire Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were forced to evacuate their residence as an arsonist set the governor’s residence ablaze while they slept overnight.  The blaze broke out at 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, in North Front Street in the city of Harrisburg in Dauphin County. Pennsylvania State Police said in a statement they has confirmed that the fire was a deliberate act of arson. The alleged arsonist has since been identified and arrested, click here to read our full report.  The Shapiro family was located in a different part of the mansion and was safely evacuated…
Funeral Set For Hero 'Cat Man,' Volunteer Police, Fireman Killed In Sanctuary Blaze Funeral Set For Hero 'Cat Man,' Volunteer Police, Fireman Killed In Sanctuary Blaze
Funeral Set For Hero 'Cat Man,' Volunteer Police, Fireman Killed In Sanctuary Blaze Funeral services are set for Christopher Arsenault, whose devotion to his feline friends right up until the very end has earned him admiration around the world. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Manhasset, according to his obituary. The service will be open to close friends and family only, but plans are underway for a larger public memorial in the near future. Lovingly known as "The Cat Man," Arsenault, 65, was killed early Monday, March 31, when a fire tore through his Medford home, which also served as the longtime headqu…
Wildfires Threaten Wealthy Part Of The Hamptons: Here's The Latest On Long Island Wildfires Threaten Wealthy Part Of The Hamptons: Here's The Latest On Long Island
Wildfires Threaten Wealthy Part Of The Hamptons: Here's The Latest On Long Island A massive wildfire that erupted Saturday afternoon, March 8 at the edge of the Hamptons has burned through over two miles of land, destroyed two structures, and sent one firefighter to the hospital, officials said. The fire, which started around 1 p.m. in Center Moriches, spread rapidly due to 35 mph winds, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said at a Saturday evening news conference. The flames quickly moved to East Moriches, Eastport, and then Westhampton, igniting a massive blaze just north of Gabreski Airport, he said. On Saturday, all eastbound lanes of Sunrise Highway were closed bet…
Off-Duty Cops Rescue Guests From Burning Jersey Shore Motel Off-Duty Cops Rescue Guests From Burning Jersey Shore Motel
Off-Duty Cops Rescue Guests From Burning Jersey Shore Motel Three off-duty police officers sprang into action early Sunday morning, Feb. 23, pulling guests from a burning motel before firefighters arrived, authorities said. The fire broke out around 3:06 a.m. at a motel on the 200 block of Broadway, according to Point Pleasant Beach Police. The motel was identified in various reports as the Shore Point Motel. The off-duty officers happened to be passing by when they saw smoke and flames coming from the building. Recognizing the danger, they immediately began evacuating guests, moving them to safety before on-duty officers arrived, officials said. P…
Wanted PA Arsonist Attacks FBI Agent During NJ SWAT Standoff: Officials Wanted PA Arsonist Attacks FBI Agent During NJ SWAT Standoff: Officials
Wanted PA Arsonist Attacks FBI Agent During NJ SWAT Standoff: Officials A York, PA man wanted for arson is facing attempted murder and other charges after a tense standoff with law enforcement in Bergen County, NJ, during which he wielded a pickaxe and attacked an FBI agent, authorities announced on Monday, Feb. 3. Tyre (Tyrie) R. Dunn, 36, was arrested on Monday, Jan. 27, after an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Mark Musella, alongside the FBI and Lodi Police Department. Dunn, who was already wanted in Pennsylvania, fled from law enforcement and barricaded himself inside a shed attached to a private home on Stokes St…
Firefighters Battle Massive Jackson House Fire For Hours Firefighters Battle Massive Jackson House Fire For Hours
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 …
Little Egg Harbor Muffler Shop Fire Sends Thick Smoke Over Ocean County (PHOTOS) Little Egg Harbor Muffler Shop Fire Sends Thick Smoke Over Ocean County (PHOTOS)
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…
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
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.…
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires 32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires
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…
Firefighters Battle Central Jersey Blaze Into Early Hours Of New Year's Day Firefighters Battle Central Jersey Blaze Into Early Hours Of New Year's Day
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…
Burglar Ignited Fire That Destroyed Jersey Shore Home, Prosecutors Say Burglar Ignited Fire That Destroyed Jersey Shore Home, Prosecutors Say
Burglar Ignited Fire That Destroyed Jersey Shore 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.…
3-Hour Fight: Firefighters Battle Raritan Township House Blaze 3-Hour Fight: Firefighters Battle Raritan Township House Blaze
3-Hour Fight: Firefighters Battle Raritan Township House Blaze Firefighters from multiple agencies came together to fight a structure fire on Saturday, Dec. 21 in Raritan Township, responders said. Yesterday afternoon at 1705 Hours, the Rescue Squad responded with the Raritan Township Fire Company and mutual aid... Posted by Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad on Sunday, December 22, 2024 The Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad responded to the Nashaway Drive blaze, which was reported at 5:05 p.m., the Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad said. When crews arrived, they found an active fire, officials said. The…
Residents Reflect On Life, Legacy Of Bound Brook Police Chief Who Died Of Cancer Residents Reflect On Life, Legacy Of Bound Brook Police Chief Who Died Of Cancer
Residents Reflect On Life, Legacy Of Bound Brook Police Chief Who Died Of Cancer The Bound Brook Police Department is mourning the loss of its chief, Richard S. Colombaroni, a lifelong resident and pillar of the community whose leadership and dedication over a 40-year career left an enduring impact. Chief Colombaroni passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer, the department announced Friday, Dec. 20. He was 62 years old. A true embodiment of duty and integrity, Colombaroni began his career in 1983 as a dispatcher before attending the Municipal Police Academy in Sea Girt. That same year, he officially joined the Bound Brook Police Department as a pa…
Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts On NJ's Gingerbread Castle Road, Crews Battle Blaze For 12 Hours Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts On NJ's Gingerbread Castle Road, Crews Battle Blaze For 12 Hours
Massive 3-Alarm Fire Erupts On NJ's Gingerbread Castle Road, Crews Battle Blaze For 12 Hours Firefighters from across Sussex and Morris counties worked tirelessly for more than 12 hours Monday, Nov. 25 to extinguish a massive commercial structure fire. At approximately 2:00 am on Monday morning the Hamburg fire department was dispatched to Gingerbread Castle Road for a... Posted by Hamburg NJ Fire & Rescue on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 Hamburg Fire Department responded to the blaze on Gingerbread Castle Road in Hamburg around 2 a.m., and quickly upgraded it to a 3-alarm fire due to its intensity.  Mutual aid units from surrounding counties and the Sussex Coun…