Car carrier trailer on fire on New Jersey Turnpike.
See story on page 4
Atlantic City House Fire
The Atlantic City Fire Department was dispatched on January 25, 2025, for a reported of a structure fire.
See story on page 10
East Orange McDonald’s Fire
An active kitchen fire at McDonald’s, injures one worker.
See story on page 16
34 Displaced by Leonia 4-Alarmer
Two townhouses were destroyed by fire and 34 people were displaced
See story on page 18
Explosion, Extends
to House & Van
Agarage explosion and van engulfed upon arrival in Egg Harbor.
See story on page 23
Extrication at Westwood MVA
Westwood firefighters responded to an MVAwith entrapment.
See story on page 24
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TractorTrailerHauling Cars Damaged
On February 4, 2025, the Carlstadt Fire Department responded to New Jersey Turnpike fora reported truck fire. Alarge column of smoke was visible and crews arrived to find a tractor-trailercarcarrierwith the cab and several vehicles on fire. Due to no hydrants available on the highway, two additional engines were requested as was a tankerfrom Ridgefield. Crews attacked the fire and the engines needed to rotate out to refill their tanks. The fire was declared undercontrol in about an hour. The trailerand fourcars were heavily damaged.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Ceiling Collapse at House Fire Injures
Firefighter
One firefighterwas hurt when he was caught beneath a collapsing ceiling while operating at a house fire in MercerCounty. It was just before 1700 when firefighters in Hamilton Township were dispatched to Berg Avenue in response to a 911 call reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from a single-story home. Upon arrival, Engine 10-2 confirmed a working fire and immediately initiated an interiorattack. As additional companies arrived, a watersupply was established, the roof was vented and a primary search was conducted. Hoarding conditions hampered firefighting operations. As Engine 10-2 was advancing theirhoseline, part of the ceiling came down and knocked a firefighterto the floor. Afterbeing assisted to the exterior, the firefighterwas transported by EMS to a local hospital and treated fora concussion. The fire, which brought all on-duty Hamilton firefighters to the scene was placed undercontrol.
- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
ACFASwears in New Officers
The Atlantic County Firefighters Association (ACFA), Executive Chairman, Howard Berchtold, Jr., swears in the officers of the 2025 Atlantic County Fire Chiefs Association on January 28, 2025, at theirreorganization meeting in Absecon.
Fire
Truck Hauling Dump Traileron Fire
On February 6, 2025, Engine 1 crew made a quick hit on a vehicle fire. The truck engine compartment was fully involved with little extension into the cab area. No injuries were reported.
-
News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran
2 Homes Damaged in Prospect Park
Two Homes were heavily damaged during a 3-alarm fire in Prospect Park on March 5, 2025. Shortly after15:30 crews were dispatched to 200 block N. 11th Street fora reported house fire. On arrival companies reported a working fire involving a 2.5 story frame dwelling and immediately transmitted a 3rd alarm reporting 2 houses were well involved. As crews were heavily engaged with ladders set up in the front and pipe operations. Patterson L-2 set up on
Fairview Avenue to hit the rearof the homes. Due to an aggressive offensive attack, the main body of fire was knocked down in both the original fire building and exposure D in under45 minutes. The B exposure sustained minordamage and the fire was placed under control in just overan hour. Ironically, both homes were damaged in anotherfire less than 2 years ago.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Christmas Day Fire in Keyport - Dog Rescued
On Christmas Day the Keyport Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a house fire at Main Street. Units arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from the top floor. Initial reports stated all occupants were out of the home but a dog was still inside. The dog was rescued by first arriving firefighters. Mutual aid came from Union Beach, Holmdel, Matawan, Morganville and Middletown. The fire was placed undercontrol 30 minutes afterarrival.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Farmington Awards President Dana
Swartz
for10 Years of Service
Atlantic City House Fire
The Atlantic City Fire Department was dispatched on January 25, 2025, to Spray and Monterey avenues for the report of a structure fire. Firefighters in a nearby station heard someone yelling fire, looked out the window and saw heavy fire in the rearof the building. The fire spread to the exposure but quick work kept the main body of fire to the building of origin. The fire went to three alarms bringing mutual aid from the mainland and nearby communities.
Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe presented a Certificate for10 Years of Service to theirPresident Dana Swartz on January 28, 2025. - Fire News photo by Brandon Parker
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
The New Jersey Fire Museum and Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wants to See You in April
The New Jersey Fire Museum will kick-off the month with a New Jersey Forest Fire exhibit. Members of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service will be present to speak about and showcase the equipment they use including power wagons, aviation, fire towers, plows, along with their rich history of their great service to the State of New Jersey. They will also kick off their new Wild Fire SMART(Safety, Mitigation, Awareness, Response, Training) Program, every Saturday from 0900 to 1500.
April 12 will be the annual swap meet from 0900 to 1500. Last year we saw over 200 people attending with all types of fire related items. Come out with the family and enjoy the day.
Remember to save the date for the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service which will be held on June 7, 2025, where we will come together to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities.
The museum wants to increase its membership. Know that being a member does not require you to attend any meetings, work
details or functions in which you may not want to be involved. Membership does grant you access to any of the events or unlimited access to the museum as often as you want to visit.
Should you want to be involved with the other volunteers that keep the museum clean and looking sharp you can reach out any Saturday. Please visit our YouTube channel and like the page in order to keep up to date with the additions to the museum and it may help us have advertisers provide some funds.
- Fire News photos and story provided
4 Dogs Perish in Shed Fire in Cardiff
The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched at 2222 on February 1, 2025, to Tremont and Bates avenues fora report of a shed on fire. Cardiff Chief Bill Danz III established command and reported a shed fully involved. Command had Cardiff Engine 1516 stretch a 1-3/4-inch line and had Bargaintown
WaterTender1528 tie into 1516 and supply them with theirtank water. Upon getting the fire undercontrol, the remains of fourdogs were discovered. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the Egg HarborTownship Police and the fire officials. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
New Jersey State Firemen’s Association Update
By Joseph T. Hankins Vice President
As Vice President of the NJSFA, I am grateful to the Fire News for allowing us space in their publication to update our 52,000-plus members.
I will start by saying this is my opinion. Please reach out to your own member of the Executive Committee and Firemen’s Home Manager to see where they stand and make sure you share your opinion as an New Jersey Firefighter.
It seems to me the members of the Executive Committee have tried to work with the NJ Firemen’s Home Managers. They attended scheduled joint committee meetings. The managers felt the joint committee was not productive and stopped the joint meetings. Within a short period of time the home managers began talking about a 50room expansion to the existing Boonton home. The managers cite a waiting list, along with the state wanting single room occupancy post Covid. I am all for the N.J. Firemen’s Home being the best in the nation and there are only two in existence. Ours houses career and volunteer while the New York home only takes volunteer firefighters.
I have spoken to superintendents of two nursing homes each stating that one patient per room only applies to new facilities. All others are not required to house in that manner. Amost recent visit to a hospital had two patients per room, which seems to be the standard across the state for the most cost-
effective care management. It is my understanding this is the first time the home has had a waiting list in its 126-year history (aside from the managers shutting down an entire wing for construction).
The home managers have commissioned a study that tells them there will be more baby boomers in the future needing care. That may be so, but it does not factor in the fact that less people have been volunteering to be firefighters. That municipalities are condensing fire departments to save costs, creating less fire fighter positions. The Firemen’s Association started a program in 2017 to allow firefighters to age in their own home, a system the State of New Jersey agrees with as being the best-case scenario whenever possible. At the time of this writing, the NJSFAhealthcare reimbursement program has helped 1,120 firefighters stay in their own home, live with a family member or, should need be, get housed in a nursing home.
There are currently 217 firefighters on the program, averaging $92,000 per firefighter per year. Take into consideration that the home that states it is at capacity at 80 guests and their budget is at $13 million, annually giving them a per guest cost of $162,500. Realize the impact an additional 50-room building, dining hall and staff will have on the funds that come in from the two-percent tax. The home, as it sits is truly a luxury no other state has and we need to keep it, but to expand on it when a viable program exists
JOSEPH THANKINS Vice President 1711 Routh 34 South Wall Township NJ 07727
Phone 732-798-8137
Email: JosephH@njsfa.com
for our firefighters is not a responsible endeavor. Mark my words, the Healthcare reimbursement program and the burial benefit will be affected negatively should this plan move forward. Reach out to your managers letting them know they were elected to manage the home as it sits not to expand or create new programs. The Executive Committee is there to manage programs as well as the funds that come into the association.
Hammonton Celebrates the Eagles SuperBowl Win
Brick House Fire Quickly Contained
On January 2, 2025, Brick Fire companies were dispatched to Neil Avenue fora reported house fire. Multiple calls were received reporting the back of a house was on fire, and a second alarm was transmitted priorto arrival. First-due units from Station 23 arrived to a fire in the rearof a single-story wood frame which was contained to the exteriorof the home. Units From Stations 21, 22, 23, 24 and an RITfrom Point Pleasant Station 75 responded and were released 30 minutes afterarrival.
Members of the Hammonton Fire Department and theirfamilies celebrated the Philadelphia Eagles winning the SuperBowl on February 9, 2025.
- Fire News photos by Jim Days
- Fire News photos by
Mark Rosetti
East Orange McDonald’s Fire
In the early morning of January 14, 2025, East Orange companies responded to a possible fire in the McDonald’s on Central Avenue. Crews arrived to find an active fire in the kitchen area. The fire was extinguished and held to the area of origin. The health department and EMS was requested to respond as one workersuffered from smoke inhalation.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
34 Displaced by Leonia 4-Alarmer
Afour-alarm fire completely destroyed two townhouse buildings in Leonia on February 14, 2025. Crews arrived to a well-advanced fire and a second alarm was immediately transmitted. The fire building was a three-story townhouse wood frame structure and the exposure building was similar. Awall of fire greeted the firefighters as did a fully involved carin the area between the two buildings. The fire had already extended into the second building, and a third alarm was transmitted as companies set up fora defensive attack on the main fire building and conducted searches of both buildings while stretching lines. Due to the amount of fire, gusty winds and
Don’t Miss the 2025 NJEPA Conference - RegisterToday!
The 2025 New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA) Conference will take place from April 7-11, 2025, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. This annual conference serves as the premier gathering for emergency management professionals, offering a dynamic week of networking, training, and collaboration.
This year’s agenda features a comprehensive lineup of training sessions, breakout discussions, and keynote presentations, concluding in Friday’s General Session on the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore, MD. Additionally, the NJEPAis proud to offer an impressive 41 Fire, 38 EMS, and over 45 Public Health CEUs throughout the week.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in specialized events, including the HigherEd Challenge, Young Professionals Event, and Networking & VendorReceptions, as well as the Awards & Networking Reception, all designed to support professional development and foster meaningful connections. The Exhibit Hall will open Wednesday-Thursday for attendees to explore the latest advancements and innovations in the field.
With a robust educational program and extensive networking opportunities, the NJEPAConference is a must-attend event for professionals committed to enhancing emergency preparedness and response.
Registration & Hotel Information
Conference Registration closes on April 4, 2025. Attendees who do not pre-register may register onsite at the Registration Desk for $300.
Hotel Reservations at the discounted rate of $89 per night (plus tax and service fees) must be booked by March 17, 2025
For more details on registration, session schedules, award applications, and event updates, visit the official NJEPAwebsite: www.njepa.org Stay informed by subscribing to the NJEPAemail list on the homepage and following us on LinkedIn (@NJEPA) and Facebook (@NewJerseyEmergencyPreparednessAssociation).
Save the Date for2026!
deteriorating conditions, all members were evacuated from both buildings, a full defensive operation was initiated and a fourth alarm was transmitted. Three ladderpipes, two towerladders, multiple exteriorhandlines and at least two blitz fires were put into service. Chief of Department John Dunn eventually declared the fire undercontrol with majoroverhaul required. No injuries were reported, but 34 residents from 10 families lost theirhomes and both buildings needed to be demolished due to structural damage. The origin of the fire was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Mark your calendars for the 2026 NJEPAConference, returning to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, from April 20-24, 2026! Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to enhance your expertise, expand your professional network, and contribute to the future of emergency preparedness in New Jersey and beyond. We look forward to seeing you in April!
Trenton Firefighters Battle Basement Blaze
Firefighters in the state capital quickly extinguished a basement fire recently. Several 911 calls reported the fire at Delawareview Avenue and when firefighters from Engine 9 arrived, they reported smoke showing from the chimney of the 2-1/2-story semi-detached home. They confirmed a working fire in the basement and quickly put a hoseline in service. The bulk of the fire was knocked down and the
blaze was declared undercontrol a short time later. Engines 1, 10 and 3, Ladders 1 and 4, Rescue 1 and Special Services 1 also responded to the all-hands assignment. Engine 8, which would have responded to this job, had been dispatched to a working vehicle fire off Parkside Avenue just a minute earlier.
- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
Structure Collapse FFRescued Trapped at Tilton Townhouse
The volunteerfire companies of Farmington and Cardiff were dispatched to the Clubs at Tilton Townhouse Complex in Egg Harbor at 1510 on January 28, 2025, fora report of a structure collapse with entrapment. Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe arrived and established command and was advised by police of a person who had been trapped, was removed and was being transported by EMS. Firefighters entered the building but the stairway had collapsed during renovation work. People were trapped on the second floor. Firefighters opened up the underside of the second-floorstairlanding to check its structural integrity then positioned two ground ladders and brought the occupants down via the ladders. The Egg HarborTownship Construction Official posted the building unsafe and the incident is being investigated by OSHA.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
3-Story Commercial Building Fire in Paterson
At 2345 on February 16, 2025, Paterson Fire Dispatch was advised by the PD of a fire on Washington Street. Battalion Chief 3 reported heavy smoke showing from a three-story commercial building. Crews were heavily engaged on the upperfloors and command ordered a third alarm and transitioned to a defensive attack. Two towerladders were put into operation along with several handlines on the exterioras companies attempted to hit the seat of the fire. Aspecial call was made forL-3 to respond to the fire and a request was made to the Oradell Fire to respond with theirHi-Ex foam unit as heavy fire was located in the basement and crews could not enter. Companies continued to operate into the morning and command reported companies still continuing to hit hot spots. An air/cascade unit from Hackensack was special called and companies rotated to the scene throughout the day for fire watch and continuing to hit hot spots. No injuries were reported.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Egg HarborExplosion, Extends to House and Van
The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched to Bristol Road at 1305 on January 26, 2025, fora report of an explosion and flames showing. Cardiff Chief Bill Danz III established command, and reported fire showing from the garage and a vehicle in the driveway involved, a second alarm was requested. Crews of the remaining Egg HarborTownship companies responded; and a special request brought an engine from the Atlantic City Airport Fire and the City of Northfield Fire forRIT. The fire took an hourto bring undercontrol and the cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the Egg HarborTownship Fire officials. Also responding were Scullville, Farmington, West Atlantic City, Egg HarborTownship EMS, Egg HarborTownship Police, Cardiff and Bargaintown Ladies Auxiliary, and South Jersey Gas. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger and Dennis C. Sharpe
Extrication at Westwood MVA
Westwood firefighters responded to an MVAwith entrapment. The Rescue 1 crew freed an uninjured front seat passengerwho had been trapped by extensive doorand fenderdamage. Engine 1’s crew stretched a handline forscene protection. Both tethered hydraulic line and battery powered tools were used. - Fire News photos by WFD/Nick Ariemma
Bogota Warehouse Fire Caused by Dumpster
On January 7, 2025, the Bogota Fire Department responded to Cross Street fora reported fire in the warehouse. Shortly after, a heavy smoke condition was reported in the area. Upon arrival of the chief, a second alarm was called. Alarge dumpsterin front of the loading dock was well involved with an extension into the roof area of the building. Handlines were stretched into the loading dock and onto the roof, while truck companies opened up, exposing pockets
of fire. The laborintensive fire was put undercontrol in underan hourwith extension limited to the roof of the loading dock. No injuries were reported and the Bergen County Arson Squad was requested as it appeared the fire had been burning foran extended period of time before the occupants called forthe fire department.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
The Tush Push orthe Brotherly Shove?
Anotherrendition of the Tush Push orthe Brotherly Shove? The Township of Hamilton First responders resorted to using a variation of the Brotherly Shove to upright a vehicle involved in an MVAon February 3, 2025, in Atlantic County.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Rescue Teams Remove Dead Eagle from Frozen Lake
The Bargaintown VolunteerFire Company was dispatched to Bargaintown Lake on Central Avenue fora special assignment on January 30, 2025, at 1436. It was reported that a dead bald eagle was lying on the frozen lake and Bargaintown was requested to send its waterrecovery team to remove the bird. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived, established command, and requested a response from the City of Linwood Fire Department, as part of the lake is located in Linwood. Both departments suited up a memberin cold watergearand both ventured out onto the ice, removed the bird, and returned to shore, where the bird was turned overto a wildlife resource officer.
- Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Cover Story
4-Alarm Apartment Fire in Bogota
Afour-alarm fire tore through an apartment building’s top floorand cockloft on Palisades Avenue in Bogota on February 9, 2025. Crews arrived to heavy smoke and fire already in the cockloft and a second alarm was transmitted. As crews worked feverishly to open the roof and ceilings below, the fire had made significant headway across the building and a third alarm was transmitted. As conditions on the roof deteriorated, command ordered all members off and, shortly after, portions of the roof began collapsing into the top floor. Command then ordered all companies out of the building and transitioned to a defensive attack. Three ladderpipes, one deck gun and a blitz fire worked on knocking down the heavy flames. The fire was finally placed under control around fourhours later; the cause of the fire was unknown. One resident was transported to the hospital and several dozen were displaced.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Up Close & Personal
Members of the Cardiff and Bargaintown fire companies paid theirlast respects to Bargaintown/retired Atlantic City FirefighterJerry Dixon on January 27, 2025. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Cardiff Chief Bill Danz III at a Bristol Avenue job on January 26, 2025, in Egg HarborTownship. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
ChesterHeld Annual Lights & Sirens Parade
On January 1, 2025, the Township of Chesterheld theirAnnual Lights and Sirens Fire Truck Parade to ring in the New Yearalong Main Street. Fire companies from across Northern New Jersey participated in this year’s parade!
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
NATIONALCOMMUNITYIMPACTAWARD HONORS EXCEPTIONALLEADERSHIPIN SAVINGLIVES THROUGH LIVINGKIDNEYDONATION
Celebrating the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Knox Company, and Chief Ron Siarnicki for Their Unwavering Commitment to Supporting First Responders
Kidneys for Communities’prestigious National Community Impact Award, honoring organizations and individuals dfor exceptional leadership, vision and dedication to saving lives through living kidney donation, was presented recently highlighting remarkable contributions to the cause.
This year’s ceremony spotlighted two major awards, the Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility National Community Impact Award, was presented to the Knox Company for its extraordinary dedication to saving lives through living kidney donations. Under the visionary leadership of Ms. Joni Trempala, Owner and President of Knox Company, the company has played a pivotal role in expanding awareness and action within the first responder community. Despite her personal battle with kidney failure, Ms. Trempala has consistently chosen to focus on those in need. Her leadership, together with her team and in collaboration with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), has launched the Kidneys for First Responders Program-providing first responders with renewed hope and a second chance at life.
of the first Responder community.
While accepting the award, Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the NFFF and the First Responder Center for Excellence, stated, “By empowering the community to become living kidney donors, we are not only saving lives but also igniting hope and creating a legacy of resilience and unity.”
Concluding the award presentation, the Inaugural Humanitarian of the Year Award was presented to Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki. Recognized for his transformational leadership and unwavering dedication to the Kidneys for Communities First Responders Initiative,
“It was my great honor to invite Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director Emeritus of the NFFF and the First Responder Center for Excellence, to accept his award.” said Atul Agnihotri, Board Chair & CEO, Kidneys for Communities®
The second award recognized the NFFF for its instrumental role in developing the “Expand Your Legacy: Become a Living Kidney Donor” campaign. In partnership with Knox Company and the First Responder Center for Excellence, NFFF has ignited a national movement to raise awareness, inspire living kidney donors, via its Kidneys for First Responders Program. Since partnering with Kidneys for Communities, NFFF has done far more than endorse the program-it has connected organizations nationwide, provided critical guidance, and ensured that the initiative meets the unique needs
Expressing his gratitude, Chief Siarnicki stated, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is a testament to the power of community and collaboration.”
These awards recognize those committed to saving lives through living kidney donation underscores the collective effort and profound impact of community-driven initiatives. For more information about the awards and the initiatives supporting first responders through living kidney donation, please visit Kidneys for First Responders. Afour-part video series providing information on being an organ donor and a transplant recipient is also available on firstrespondercenter.org.
Award recipients and presenters gather for a group photo at the National Community Impact Award ceremony.
Rochelle Car Fires Extend
On January 29, 2025, the Rochelle Park Fire Department was alerted fora reported carfire on the 130 block of BeckerAvenue. The call was updated that several cars were on fire. On arrival of police, it was upgraded to a working house fire. As companies arrived, crews found two cars well involved in the driveway and the fire extending into the home and threatening a detached single-cargarage. Asecond alarm brought mutual aid companies to the scene. A large column of black smoke was visible as companies were responding. The fire was reported knocked down and undercontrol in about an hour.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Basement Fire in Bogota
The Bogota Fire Department was dispatched to Oakwood Avenue fora reported house fire. On arrival, heavy smoke was showing from the basement of the two-story frame home and a second alarm was transmitted. Crews stretched two handlines into the home where they located and quickly knocked down a fire in the basement. Crews searched the home and ventilation was conducted. The fire was knocked down within 20 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Single-CarMVAin Mays Landing
The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale, along with police and EMS, were dispatched on February 3, 2025, at 1329 fora report of an MVAat Harding Highway and Route 50. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived, established command, and reported a single vehicle on its side with the driverstill in it.
Command had Mays Landing Squad 1816 utilize theirstruts to stabilize the vehicle upon theirarrival. With the vehicle stabilized, the occupant of the vehicle was removed via the sunroof. The cause of the crash was underinvestigation by the Township of Hamilton Police.
- Fire News photos by Ken Badger
2 Extricated from Trenton Rollover;
Both Transported
Two people had to be extricated from the wreckage of a Subaru Legacy afterthe vehicle flipped onto its side in Trenton on February 2, 2025. The crash occurred along Mulberry Street not farfrom the intersection with North Clinton Avenue and Nottingham Way. Trenton firefighters, EMS personnel and police were alerted to the crash. Firefighters from Engine 6, Rescue 1 and Ladder4 used their rescue tools to cut away part of the roof to free the driverand pas-
and
senger. Both individuals were assessed on scene by Capital Health paramedics
EMTs from Trenton and Hamilton, then transported to the trauma centerat Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
Looking Back
Collingswood - 1992
Collingswood Flea Market Fire in Howell
On September1, 1992 a massive fire destroyed the historic Collingswood Flea Market complex on Route 33 in Howell Township. The fire, reported late in the afternoon, took several hours to be placed undercontrol, required mutual aid companies from fourcounties and the use of tankers and tenders as well as a five-inch hose relay which stretched well overa mile due to limited hydrants in the area. It was one of the largest structure fires to hit the area in many years.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Atlantic City - 1954
On August 31, 1954, at the fish docks on North Rhode Island Avenue a fire went to two alarms.
- Submitted by Dennis C. Sharpe collection
Atlantic City - 1952
On January 7, 1952, at St. Charles and States Avenues this fire went to three alarms.
- Fire News photo submitted by Dennis C. Sharpe collection
Atlantic City - 1955
Atlantic City June 4, 1955, at the Ostend Hotel, at 3201 Boardwalk went to a three-alarm fire.
- Fire News photo submitted by Dennis C. Sharpe collection
Paterson Calls 3-AlarmerBuilding Fire on Totowa Avenue
The Paterson Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a house fire on Totowa Avenue. Crews arrived on scene and were met with heavy fire in a 3-Story frame with multiple exposure issues on the delta 1 side. Battalion 3 then transmitted a 3rd alarm. Burning embers set fire to brush and a dumpsterin a Vacant lot across the street. Multiple mutual aid units from Hawthorne, North Halden, Pompton Lakes, & Totowa were called to the scene. Hackensack MSU was also called to the scene.
- Fire News photos by Michael Saggau, Jr.
Fatality at Glen Rock Basement Fire
On January 5, 2025, the Glen Rock Fire Department was dispatched to Birchwood Road fora reported outside fire, possibly a car against a home. Police reported flames showing and on arrival, crews found a working basement fire. Command reported heavy fire involving propane and chemicals, as well as, hoarding conditions. Crews searching reported heavy fire on the second floorin the rear and found a lone occupant who was removed and turned overto EMS in cardiac arrest. He was transported to the hospital where he later succumbed. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Glen Rock Police and the Bergen County Arson Squad.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
On March 1, 2025, South Egg Harborand Egg HarborCity Fire Departments were dispatched fora working fire from an out building on the property. Command was established by 26-50 and confirmed a working fire with extension to the woods. First in engine crews lead off with handlines attacking the fire while Forest Fire attacked the woods fire. Situation was brought undercontrol quickly. Germania Fire Department also from Galloway Twp established a watersupply to the first in engines. The fire is currently underinvestigation. Galloway EMS and Galloway PD assisted at the scene.
- Fire News photos by Eric “Doc” Moran
Building and Woods on Fire in Egg Harbor
Bargaintown’s Jerry Dixon
It is with deep regret and sadness the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department announces that Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company firefighter Jerry Dixon has answered his final alarm on January 27, 2025.
Jerry served as the Fire Police Chief and was retired from the Atlantic City Fire Department and was given full a departmental service on February 5, 2025. Jerry, we’re going to miss your wit, wisdom, and comradely demeanor. We’ll take it from here. (Pictured: Jerry Dixon with Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe at their dinner on January 11, 2025.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C Sharpe and Ken Badger
