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Fire Safety

Second Marlton 14-Year-Old Charged With Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 Homes: Police Second Marlton 14-Year-Old Charged With Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 Homes: Police
Second Marlton 14-Year-Old Charged With Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 Homes: Police A second Marlton boy was accused of arson, sparking 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. 20. Another 14-year-old boy was previously arrested and given the same charges. 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 firefighte…
Duo Nabbed For Having Fires Amid Burn Ban In Southeast, Putnam Valley: Police Duo Nabbed For Having Fires Amid Burn Ban In Southeast, Putnam Valley: Police
Duo Nabbed For Having Fires Amid Burn Ban In Southeast, Putnam Valley: Police Two 46-year-old men received summonses after having fires on their properties in the region amid a statewide burn ban, authorities said.  Both incidents happened in Putnam County on Sunday, Nov. 17, and were in violation of Gov. Kathy Hochul's ban on burning for brush and debris disposal, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The first occurred just after 5 p.m., when a sheriff's deputy encountered a possible brush fire on Nichols Road in Southeast. A closer inspection revealed it to be burning construction material in a residence's backyard, the Sheriff's O…
Possible Victim Of Waldorf Brush Fire Identified By Investigators: Authorities Possible Victim Of Waldorf Brush Fire Identified By Investigators: Authorities
Possible Victim Of Waldorf Brush Fire Identified By Investigators: Authorities The Office of the State Fire Marshal is cautioning that a statewide burn ban is in effect after a 94-year-old man was killed in a brush fire they believe started when he was burning trash. Waldorf resident Donald Halter has been identified by investigators as the person believed to have been killed when a blaze broke out near his home and rapidly spread. First responders from the Charles County and Prince George's County fire departments were called shortly before 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 to a reported brush fire that spread to a vacant mobile home on the property. While extinguishing …
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV A Connecticut police cruiser was destroyed when a brush fire leaped onto the vehicle and burned it completely.  A Greenwich police officer was out of the car and responding to a medical call on Wednesday morning when the brush fire crept onto their vehicle, authorities said.  No one was injured.  Related: Brush Fire Destroys Two-Family Home Greenwich Police used the blaze to remind residents to be aware of potential brush fires as Connecticut remains under a red flag warning. Multiple small fires have turned into potentially life-threatening ones in recent weeks because of …
Philly Warehouse Blaze Goes To 3 Alarms, Requires All Hands: Authorities Philly Warehouse Blaze Goes To 3 Alarms, Requires All Hands: Authorities
Philly Warehouse Blaze Goes To 3 Alarms, Requires All Hands: Authorities A warehouse fire in Philadelphia went to three alarms and required an all hands-on-deck for fire crews, authorities said. Philly fire crews responded to a fire in the Port Richmond area at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, according to a news release by the Philadelphia Fire Department. The blaze, which was in a warehouse in the area of Kensington and Allegheny avenues, required all hands almost immediately, to PFD. UPDATE at 9:19 am: This fire has been placed under control. You will still see our members and apparatus in the area as... Posted by Philadelphia Fire Department on Wed…
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…
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…
Unpermitted Renovations Under Investigation At Spring Valley Building Site Unpermitted Renovations Under Investigation At Spring Valley Building Site
Unpermitted Renovations Under Investigation At Spring Valley Building Site A Hudson Valley property owner is under investigation for alleged building permit violations that render the building unsafe. The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes (OBC) is investigating multiple state building and fire violations at 101 Kennedy Drive in Spring Valley, a property owned by Country Village Towers Corp., said Ed Markunas, director of the Office of Building Codes. Markunas said the property owner is facing over $16,000 in violations resulting from extensive renovations to five floors that were done without the required permits. During a training drill, officia…
Brush Fire Spreads To Multiple Homes In Pittsfield Brush Fire Spreads To Multiple Homes In Pittsfield
Brush Fire Spreads To Multiple Homes In Pittsfield A small brush fire in Berkshire County Friday afternoon, Nov. 8, spread to multiple homes, causing major damage, authorities said.  Firefighters were called to 8-10 Scammell Avenue in Pittsfield just before 4:30 p.m. after a bushfire leaped onto a two-family home and a large deck at nearby 15 Draper Ave., authorities said.  Pittsfield firefighters, assisted by multiple other local agencies, were able to put the fire out by 5 p.m., though the homes sustained significant damage, officials said.  No one was injured in the blaze.  Authorities said two families lived a…
Fire Erupts at Liberty Road Compost Site, Upper Saucon Firefighters Respond Fire Erupts at Liberty Road Compost Site, Upper Saucon Firefighters Respond
Fire Erupts at Liberty Road Compost Site, Upper Saucon Firefighters Respond A significant brush fire broke out at the Liberty Road Compost site, prompting a swift response from Upper Saucon police and firefighters on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at 1:27 p.m., according to officials. Arriving officers found the blaze spreading from the east side of the facility toward the adjacent wood line. Fire crews from Upper Saucon, Coopersburg, Lower Milford, Upper Milford, Vera Cruz, Eastern Salisbury, and Lower Saucon joined forces to bring the fire under control. The site was heavily saturated to prevent any further spread. Officials noted that a burn ban is currently in effect, e…
Rental Home Owners Dodge Jail After Noyac Fire That Killed 2 Sisters Rental Home Owners Dodge Jail After Noyac Fire That Killed 2 Sisters
Rental Home Owners Dodge Jail After Noyac Fire That Killed 2 Sisters A husband and wife will avoid jail after admitting fault in a fire at their New York vacation rental that killed two sisters. On Long Island, Peter Miller, age 56, and Pamela Miller, age 55, were each sentenced to community service in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Nov. 7, in the deaths of Lindsay and Jillian Wiener, CBS New York reports. The 19-year-old Lindsay and 21-year-old Jillian, both of Potomac, Maryland, were vacationing with their brother and parents at the Millers’ Noyac home when the blaze broke out on the morning of Aug. 3, 2022. Earlier Report: Sisters On Vacation K…
Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues
Open Fires Banned In Westchester Parks As Drought Watch Continues As dry conditions continue, open fires have been banned in Westchester County-owned parks. The ban was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 6 by Westchester Parks officials, who also said it was effective immediately.  The ban follows a Drought Watch declared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Tuesday, Nov. 5 as a result of low precipitation levels. According to parks officials, wooded environments in parks such as camping sites and remote areas have an increased fire risk because of the rain shortage.  During the ban, charcoal and propane fires are only a…
Crews Battle Brush Fire At Golf Course In Hastings-On-Hudson Crews Battle Brush Fire At Golf Course In Hastings-On-Hudson
Crews Battle Brush Fire At Golf Course In Hastings-On-Hudson Firefighters battled persistent flames at a golf course in Westchester for more than an hour.  The blaze happened at the Saint Andrew's Golf Course in Hastings-on-Hudson on Tuesday evening, Nov. 5, according to the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department, which helped assist with the response.  Arriving crews battled the fire for around an hour and a half before it was contained, fire officials said. The cause of the blaze was not detailed. No injuries were reported.  This evening the Dobbs Ferry Fire Department was dispatched to assist the Hastings on Hudson Fire Department with..…
Brush Fire Breaks Out In Allendale Yard Brush Fire Breaks Out In Allendale Yard
Brush Fire Breaks Out In Allendale Yard Firefighters put out a brush fire that broke out in a Bergen County yard Monday, Nov. 4. The Allendale Volunteer FD said neighbors were helping to contain that blaze that broke out behind a home on Byron Court when they arrived. "935’s Crew quickly established a water supply, ran an attack line to the rear of the structure, and knocked the fire down in minutes," the department said on Instagram, sharing a video of the attack.  An engine from Ramsey assisted with the overhaul. New Jersey remains under Stage 3 fire restrictions as much of the state was at high risk for wildfires, the N…
Fire Displaces Gloucester Township Resident Fire Displaces Gloucester Township Resident
Fire Displaces Gloucester Township Resident A Camden County resident was displaced by a house fire that broke out Sunday afternoon, Nov. 3, police said. The Gloucester Township Police Department was dispatched to 4 Edinburgh Road in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township just before 3:40 p.m., police said. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were coming from the home. The resident was not home at the time of the fire, and no residents were injured as a result of the fire. Gloucester Township Fire Departments from Blackwood, Chews Landing, Blenheim, Lambs Terrace, and Erial along with the Pine Hill Fire Department and Deptford…
Hey Rockland County: Get Ready To Turn Back Those Clocks This Weekend Hey Rockland County: Get Ready To Turn Back Those Clocks This Weekend
Hey Rockland County: Get Ready To Turn Back Those Clocks This Weekend Rockland County officials remind residents that daylight saving time will end for the year at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.  This is when we "fall back" and gain an extra hour of sleep. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to sleep on Saturday, Nov. 2. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. Fire officials also said that besides changing your clocks, this is also an excellent time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are in good working order and not expired. The Rockland County Health Department's Healthy Neighborhoods Program …
Dry Conditions Lead To Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban In Maryland Due To Wildfire Threats Dry Conditions Lead To Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban In Maryland Due To Wildfire Threats
Dry Conditions Lead To Statewide Open-Air Burn Ban In Maryland Due To Wildfire Threats The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has implemented a statewide ban on open-air burning amid the "extremely dry conditions" that have plagued the region recently. According to officials, "extremely dry conditions persist across the state and have led to an above average number of wildfires statewide, and conditions are not expected to change in the near future." It was enacted on Friday, Nov. 1.  The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide, they added. …
Burn Ban Issued In Rockland County Due To Red Flag Warnings, Numerous Fires Burn Ban Issued In Rockland County Due To Red Flag Warnings, Numerous Fires
Burn Ban Issued In Rockland County Due To Red Flag Warnings, Numerous Fires In response to ongoing dry conditions and an increased fire danger, Rockland County Executive Ed Day has issued an executive order for a countywide burn ban, effective immediately.  This action was issued for Rockland County on Friday, Nov. 1.  Day said the ban was made in consultation with the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services in light of the National Weather Service's red flag warnings indicating heightened fire risk. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning activities, including but not limited to the burning of brush, leaves, and other yard debris, along with…
Cellphone Charger Causes Central PA House Fire Displacing 6 People, 5 Pets (PHOTOS) Cellphone Charger Causes Central PA House Fire Displacing 6 People, 5 Pets (PHOTOS)
Cellphone Charger Causes Central PA House Fire Displacing 6 People, 5 Pets (Photos) A cellphone charge burst into flames South Central Pennsylvania home on Wednesday, Oct. 30, officials explained.  The duplex fire broke out in the 200 block of East Canal Street in the village of Sand Beach at 5:09 a.m., according to Union Deposit Volunteer Fire Company 47. A cellphone charger plugged into an overused power strip exploded, sparking the blaze that quickly spread through that home, officials explained.  "All residents got out safely," according to the release.  Four adults, two children, two dogs, and three cats were displaced but tha…
Persistent Dry Conditions, Gusty Winds Creating Elevated Risk Of Fire In DMV Region Persistent Dry Conditions, Gusty Winds Creating Elevated Risk Of Fire In DMV Region
Persistent Dry Conditions, Gusty Winds Creating Elevated Risk Of Fire In DMV Region There will be an elevated risk of fire danger in the DMV region on Saturday due to the continued dry conditions and expected gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service. An alert was issued cautioning that there will be increased fire conditions expected on Oct. 26, with relative humidity levels staying long, with winds hovering between 15 and 20 mph and gusts possibly reaching 30 mph in parts of Maryland and Virginia. The forecasted conditions "will result in the rapid drying of fine fuels like grass, leaves, and small shrubs."  In response to the expected weather, forecas…
Persistent Dry Conditions, Gusty Winds Creating Elevated Risk Of Fire In DMV Region Persistent Dry Conditions, Gusty Winds Creating Elevated Risk Of Fire In DMV Region
Persistent Dry Conditions, Gusty Winds Creating Elevated Risk Of Fire In DMV Region There will be an elevated risk of fire danger in the DMV region on Thursday due to the continued dry conditions and expected gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service. An alert was issued cautioning that there will be increased fire conditions expected on Oct. 24, with relative humidity levels staying long, with winds hovering between 10 and 15 mph and gusts possibly reaching 25 mph in parts of Maryland and Virginia. The forecasted conditions "will result in the rapid drying of fine fuels."  In response to the expected weather, forecasters have cautions that "residents an…
PA ARSON: Retired Care Manager At Dept. Of Aging Set Bathtub On Fire PA ARSON: Retired Care Manager At Dept. Of Aging Set Bathtub On Fire
PA Arson: Retired Care Manager At Dept. Of Aging Set Bathtub On Fire While still in the hospital recovering from burns, a 70-year-old woman has been charged with arson and cruelty to animals, the Ephrata Police announced on Friday, Oct. 18.  Leslie G. Truitt, the 100 block of East Chestnut of Ephrata, is accused of "placing belongings of a former resident in her bathtub and setting them on fire," the police stated in the release.  Her teenage neighbor and his stepdad rescued her and her dogs when the fire alarms went off at 5:05 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, as Daily Voice reported at the time.  The boy suffered second-degree burns and was also ta…
House Explosion Under Investigation In Haymarket (DEVELOPING) House Explosion Under Investigation In Haymarket (DEVELOPING)
House Explosion Under Investigation In Haymarket (Developing) First responders were called to a reported home explosion in Haymarket late on Tuesday afternoon. Crews responded to the 5900 block of Colby Hunt Court for a reported gas-related home explosion, according to a social media post made by the Loudoun County Career Fire Fighters association. The initial call came in at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 15 before a second alarm was called. According to officials, it is believed the fire stemmed from an outside gas leak caused by utility work.  It is unclear if there were any injuries. The house was evacuated safely. Crews are on scene …
Sanctuary Undamaged By Smoke, Flames During Pikesville Church Blaze: Fire Investigators Sanctuary Undamaged By Smoke, Flames During Pikesville Church Blaze: Fire Investigators
Sanctuary Undamaged By Smoke, Flames During Pikesville Church Blaze: Fire Investigators Firefighters had to contend with tricky conditions on Monday morning as they battled a blaze that broke out inside a Baltimore County church. New details have been released by investigators as they continue to probe the fire at the St. Paul Praise and Worship Center on Reisterstown Road in Pikesville. Crews were called at around 9:45 a.m. on Oct. 14 to the church, where they were met by flames coming from the first floor that spread to the second story and into the steeple of the building.  WORKING BUIDING FIRE 503 Reisterstown Rd #Pikesville | Crews arrived to fire on the 1st and …
Improperly Disposed Smoking Materials Possibly To Blame For Rockville Garage Fire Improperly Disposed Smoking Materials Possibly To Blame For Rockville Garage Fire
Improperly Disposed Smoking Materials Possibly To Blame For Rockville Garage Fire The cause of a massive fire that tore through a Montgomery County garage and damaged a home has been determined to possibly be improperly disposed smoking materials, investigators say. Late on Friday afternoon, first responders were called to the 13600 block of Cherrydale Drive near Glenn Mill Road in Rockville, where there was a reported fire in a garage that spread to an area home. According to a Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, the fire was reported shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 by a neighbor who alerted the family that there were flames showing from the gara…
Victim ID'd In Fatal Sparta House Fire: Police Victim ID'd In Fatal Sparta House Fire: Police
Victim ID'd In Fatal Sparta House Fire: Police A 78-year-old man was killed in a house fire in Sparta on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 10, authorities said. Wayne Pait, who lived at the home, was identified as the victim, Sparta police said. First responders arrived at 132 Sawmill Road at 8:24 a.m. and found smoke billowing from the residence, Sparta police said. Upon arrival, they were informed a resident was still inside the home but officers were blocked from entering the home due to heavy smoke and fire, police said. Three family members were able to get out of the home with the assistance of patrols and were transported to a nearb…
Improperly Disposed Oily Rags Cause $80K Garage Fire In Lovettsville, Investigators Say Improperly Disposed Oily Rags Cause $80K Garage Fire In Lovettsville, Investigators Say
Improperly Disposed Oily Rags Cause $80K Garage Fire In Lovettsville, Investigators Say Improperly disposed rags in a Loudoun County garage led to a large fire that caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage when they spontaneously combusted, officials confirmed. On Sunday night, multiple agencies in Virginia and Maryland were called to a reported garage fire in the 13300 block of Downey Mill Road in Lovettsville, where there was a reported blaze that broke out.  First responders were met by an active fire on the exterior of the garage, though firefighters were able to contain the flames before they spreading to the inside of the structure. It then took fire and rescu…
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…
Improperly Discarded Ashes Spark Bel Air House Blaze, Maryland Fire Marshal Says Improperly Discarded Ashes Spark Bel Air House Blaze, Maryland Fire Marshal Says
Improperly Discarded Ashes Spark Bel Air House Blaze, Maryland Fire Marshal Says Improperly discarded ashes from a bonfire during the unseasonably warm start to fall led to a house fire in Harford County, the Maryland Fire Marshal is cautioning. Nearly two dozen firefighters from the Bel Air Fire Department were called at around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 to the 1600 block of Junius Court when a neighbor reported that the exterior of a home was on fire. First responders were quickly able to knock down the flames in less than a half hour, though it caused an estimated $20,000 in damage to the single-family home.  It was later determined that the fire was accide…
Child Playing With Lighter Sparks Blaze At Harford County Apartment Building: Fire Marshal Child Playing With Lighter Sparks Blaze At Harford County Apartment Building: Fire Marshal
Child Playing With Lighter Sparks Blaze At Harford County Apartment Building: Fire Marshal Things got a little too hot to handle for a child playing with a lighter inside a Harford County apartment that was damaged by fire on Wednesday afternoon, officials say. First responders were called at around 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 25 to the Edgewood Park Apartment complex on Edgewood Road, when a neighbor reported a fire inside one of the units. According to the Maryland Fire Marshal, crews from the Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and Aberdeen Proving Grounds FD/EMS, were able to quickly knock down the fire, which was reported in a bedroom where the child was playing with a lighter. It…
Firefighters In Virginia Investigating Blaze That Broke Out At Academies Of Loudoun Firefighters In Virginia Investigating Blaze That Broke Out At Academies Of Loudoun
Firefighters In Virginia Investigating Blaze That Broke Out At Academies Of Loudoun One firefighter and one civilian were injured on Tuesday afternoon when a fire broke out at the Academies of Loudoun magnet school.  Loudoun County Fire and Rescue crews were called to a reported fire at the school that was quickly knocked down after all students were safely evacuated from the building before firefighters arrived, officials said. Officials said that there was a small structure fire at the school that was quickly put out. There was an increased public safety presence at around around school grounds throughout Tuesday afternoon as the scene was cleared and investigated.…