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Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, HS Baseball Captain Killed In Sterling Forest 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…
Mugshots Released: SWAT Raid Uncovers 28K Fentanyl Pills, Meth, Ghost Guns In Bergen County
A major drug bust in Bergen County led to the seizure of tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced pills, along with cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and untraceable firearms, authorities said in announcing the arrests of the three men behind it.
Ramon Morillo, 39, of Fort Lee; Brandon Morillo, 31, of Lodi; and Joseph Diaz, 34, of Fort Lee, were arrested on Thursday, Nov. 7, following a months-long investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.
The investigation began in July 2024, when detectives identified Mo…
Clifton Police Officer Joseph Pichnarcik Dies, 45
The Clifton Police Department is mourning the passing of one of its own, Officer Joseph A. Pichnarcik.
Pichnarcik died on Wednesday, Nov. 6, following a brave fight against a long-term illness, according to his department and his obituary on the Allwood Funeral Home website.
Officer Pichnarcik, who served the Clifton community with pride and commitment since joining in 2006, was known for his warm spirit, reliability, and the unwavering support he offered his fellow officers.
Before his tenure in Clifton, Officer Pichnarcik served with the Paterson Police Department.
Pichnarcik…
Falling Powerline Sparks Washington Township Brush Fire, Wildfires Rage Across NJ
Washington Township Police and Fire Department personnel responded to a large brush fire Friday night, Nov. 8.
The blaze, ignited by a downed powerline, was quickly contained and extinguished along West Valley Brook Road, the police department said.
With the arrival of cooler weather, officials are reminding residents that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued a total fire ban across the state on both private and public properties.
The ban, imposed due to extremely dry conditions, prohibits the use of fire pits, campfires, or any form of open b…
