Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue
Volume 20, No. 11
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See story on page 8. - Fire News photo by Ed Hutchinson
Fire,Serving Rescue The Magazine & EMS Fire, Rescue Serving & EMS Heroes &Fire, EMS Heroes Rescue Heroes Since Heroes 1973 1996 &Since EMS Since 1973 April 2026
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Fire News, April 2026, Page 3
In this issue... 3-Alarm Fire Displaces 17 In Passaic Firefighters responded to a 3-alarm fire in a mixed-use residential building. See story on page 12
Fire Rips Through House in Galloway Crews responded to a structure fire that took several hours to control and is under investigation. See story on page 18
Car Fire on Driveway in Budd Lake Budd Lake Company dispatched for a well-involved car half in the driveway and half on the road. See story on page 26
Rollover and Entrapment by Hamilton Mall Fire companies responded the Hamilton Mall for a report of a MVA with rollover and entrapment. See story on page 33
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHERS Chad Aaronson, John Axford, Keith Addie, Adam Alberti, Ted Aurig, Kenneth E.Badger, Dick Berry, Tommy Bilancia, Thomas Bischoff, James Bonner, Joseph Brecko, John Buttino, Bob Chester, John Clark, Alex Coulter, Carl Crossman, Damien Davis, Chris Denton, Alan Dumoff, Brian Duddy, Brett M. Dzadik, Dan Eckert, Doug Fenichel, Tom Finnegan, Joe Fortunato, Liam Glinane, Israel Goldstein, Thomas Hayden Jr., David Hernandez, Robert Halberstadt, Roman Izaryk, Erica Jacoby, Jeffrey Konya, Kevin Maloney, Robert Munson, Paul Newborn, Robert F. Newkirk, Denis Niland, Mike Nowacki, Elvin Padilla, Ed Pinkevicz, Dane Policastro, Michael Ratcliffe, Joe Repici, Paul Rodriquez, Mark Rosetti, Chris Saraceno, Robert Scollan, Dennis C. Sharpe, Steve Sperlak, Steve Skipton, Matt Spadaro, Danielle Tagerty, Tim Sullivan, Robert Tallaksen, Wayne Tasaki, Giuseppe Tartaglia, Jim Trepeos, Gregory Taylor, Ron Trout, Ken VanPelt, Kevin Umbach, Jose Vazquez, Ronnie Viola, Tom Vogel, Tom Walker, Mike Wallace, Chris Whitam, Wells P. Wilson, Gerald Wyhopen, Jr., Peter Danzo. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder. COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions Garage Fire Caused Major Damage in Allamuchy The Allamuchy Township FD was dispatched to a working garage fire. See story on page 37
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Tribute Howard Bennett, Firefighter Camden Fire Department See story on page 38
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Super Bowl Weekend House Fire in Icy Conditions On February 8, 2026 (Super Bowl weekend), the Oradell Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire. Chief Moran arrived on scene and confirmed heavy fire showing and requested a second alarm assignment. Due to extremely cold temperatures and high winds, Chief Moran needed extra support on scene and requested a third alarm. Members on scene battled icedover gear, slippery conditions and frozen apparatus. The departments assisting were New Milford, Riveredge, Paramus, Emerson, Dumont and Haworth. The fire caused heavy structural damage, and the house needed to be demolished. – Submitted by Tiernan Burns
St. Mary’s Chapel Saved by Parishioners and Firefighters
A potential crisis was averted Saturday afternoon thanks to the swift, heroic actions of local parishioners and the Middletown Township Fire Department. At approximately 1405 hours, the Belford Engine Company and the Independent Fire Company of Belford were dispatched to the historic St. Mary’s Church Chapel on Leonardville Road following reports of a structure fire. Upon his arrival, Chief of Department Daniel Kelly discovered a small fire, which had originated in a votive candle rack, and was already being challenged by parishioners who had jumped into action to protect their place of worship. About 40 firefighters from the Belford Engine Company and Belford Independent arrived on the scene under the direction of Chief Kelly. Utilizing water can extinguishers, crews were able to quickly tame the remaining flames and prevent the fire from spreading to the building’s structural elements while others worked diligently to ventilate the chapel. The Middletown Township Safety Unit also provided vital on-scene assistance. – Submitted by Middletown FD
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Garbage Truck on Fire in Linwood The Linwood Fire Department was dispatched at 0715 hours to West Poplar Avenue on January 29, 2026, for a report of a vehicle fire. Firefighters arrived to find a trash truck on fire in the cargo area. Due to the extremely cold temperatures, mutual aid was called from Somers Point and Northfield to assist with overhaul. – Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Commercial Building Fire & Explosion in Eatontown Eatontown Station 11 was dispatched to a commercial structure on Hope Road for a reported explosion. Crews arrived to heavy fire through the roof of a commercial office building with imminent exposure issues. A second alarm was struck bringing multiple mutual aid companies from across Monmouth County to the scene. Multiple handlines were utilized to contain the fire in an exterior attack to keep fire from extending through the breezeways. After nearly 45 minutes the heavy fire was knocked down and crews made entry to conduct overhaul. – Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Mutual Aid Needed in Flanders Garage Fire Flanders crews arrived to a garage fire on Jocynda Road. Chief 91 and Car 50 found a fire in the garage area of the two-story home. With all occupants out, Engine 95 and 59 stretched two lines in the house and around the back as the interior fire was also extinguished. There were no injuries and the fire was under investigation by the Mount Olive Police and Fire Marshal’s office. Several mutual aid companies were also dispatched . With the lack of operating hydrants, a tender task force was dispatched. – Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
Several Homes Damaged by Fire in Passaic Passaic crews operated at a three-alarm fire on January 9, 2026. Three homes were evacuated and one resident was hospitalized as a fire tore through multiple homes on Hope Avenue. Crews battled flames and heavy smoke as the fire spread, prompting commanding officers to escalate the blaze to three alarms. Firefighters from several towns, including Garfield, Clifton, Rutherford, Paterson and Carlstadt, responded to assist. – Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
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Cover Story
2-Alarm Fire Damages 3 Row Houses in Camden
Camden Ladder 1 arrived to heavy smoke showing from a two-story row house with extension into three dwellings, all experienced heavy fire damage. Battalion 2 called in a second alarm and the scene was brought under control in around 45 minutes. – Fire News photos by Ed Hutchinson
Car Fire In Driveway Damages Mobile Home in Scullville The Scullville and Bargaintown fire departments responded to Tide Avenue in the Oak Forest Mobile Home Park for the report of a vehicle fire. Firefighters arrived to find a fully involved minivan with the mobile home’s siding starting to melt. Crews knocked down the fire quickly with no further extension to the mobile home. The cause of the fire was investigated by the EHTFD Fire Official. – Fire News photo by Ken and Cindy Badger
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Quick Stop in Ortley Beach House Fire
On February 9, 2026, Ocean County Fire companies were requested to Bay Boulevard in Ortley Beach on the barrier island for a reported house fire. Units arrived to a moderate smoke condition in a single-story home. Crews from Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Lavallette and Toms River stations 27 and 28 responded and had the fire knocked down within 20 minutes of arrival. – Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Twice Burned House in Deptford
The same house had burned the previous had a fire at around 0200 hours on January 25, 2026. Calls were received for fire from the roof of the County House Road structure. – Fire News photo by Ed Hutchinson
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3-Alarm Fire Displaces 17 In Passaic
A three-alarm fire displaced 17 people from a mixed-use residential building in Passaic on January 10, 2026. The fire broke out on Quincy Avenue, where a grocery store is on the first level and multi-family homes are on the upper levels. – Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
TRAINING
Ice Rescue Training at Bargaintown Lake The Egg Harbor Township Fire Department held a joint ice rescue drill with the City of Linwood Fire Department, EHT EMS, and Atlanticare EMS at Bargaintown Lake on January 31, 2026. – Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
MOTLEY CREW OF THE MONTH Motley Crew of the month is the City of Linwood Fire Department taking a breather at the Somers Point twoalarmer on Bay Avenue on January 31, 2026. – Fire News photo by Cindy Badger
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Up Close & Personal Up Close and Personal with the Felten Family of firefighters, East Rutherford Fire Department. Company 3, at a mutual aid call on Hope Avenue in Passaic. The fire went to three alarms on January 9, 2026. – Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
East Vineland Chief Mark Corsiglia and Collings Lakes John Knapp at the Tuckahoe Road Fire. – Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Jimmy Wood, Jr., of Passaic Fire Engine 1, Moshe Stareshefsky, Captain of Rutherford Engine 3, and Karim Harrison, Lt. Rutherford Engine 3, on scene mutual aid at a Passaic three-alarm fire on January 9, 2026. – Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
Atlantic City Airport Fire Department firefighters Pat Flynn, James DeHart, and Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe at a structure fire on Delilah Road on January 22, 2026. – Fire News photo by Cindy Badger
Egg Harbor Township Chief Patrick Flynn, sliding down the roof at the Serenity Nails fire in Somers Point. – Fire News photo by Cindy Badger
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Apartment Fire in Manchester
Manchester Fire Companies were dispatched to Gable Circle for a reported fire in an apartment building. Units encountered a heavy column of smoke while responding and arrived to heavy fire showing from the rear of the apartment building. Firefighters rescued a dog from an apartment. A second alarm was struck bringing a RIT from Toms River, an engine from Pleasant Plains, and a ladder from Manitou Park to the scene. – Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Massive Fire Rips Through House in Galloway Bayview and Oceanville crews responded to 629 Park Place for a report of a structure fire. Bayview Assistant Chief Lou Miranda arrived, established command, and reported fire showing and started requesting mutual aid along with a water tender task force that brought apparatus and manpower from throughout Atlantic, Ocean, Burlington, and Cape May Counties. Firefighters initially tried an interior attack, but were withdrawn when fire started racing across the attic. The fire took several hours to control and is under investigation by Galloway Township Fire Investigators. – Submitted by Dennis Sharpe; photos by Ernie Westcoat
Crews Worked through Frigid Cold and Frozen Hydrants During frigid weather the Stanhope fire crew was called to Hill Road for a report of a fire. Upon arrival flames were showing through roof. Crews started to stretch lines and hookup hydrants that were frozen and harder to access water. The firefighters worked through the frigid cold and freezing water. There were no injuries reported and crews remained on scene well into the morning. – Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
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Fire News, April 2026, Page 19
Photo left: Past Chief A.J. Bernacki, received a chief’s bugle from the Captains and Past Captains organization. Photo right: Past fire chief for 2025 A.J. Biernacki, stands with his father, who presented him his Ex- Chiefs badge.
New Chiefs Installation in Long Branch About fifty to sixty individuals gathered at the Long Branch City Hall for the presentation of badges and swearing in ceremony of the new Fire Chiefs. The mister ceremonies for the event was Past Chief Joseph Valentino. Thanks to all that attended the event and for the city leaders who spoke on the behalf of the outgoing Chief of the Department and the new incoming Assistant Chief and The Chief of the Department for 2026. – Fire News photos by Chris Denton
Assistant Chief Kevin Stout & Wife, Stout previously served as Assistant Chief and Chief of the Department. He also previously served as Head of the Mommoth County Fire Marshals office.
Chief Author T Green lll, with wife & 2 daughters.
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3-Alarm Fire in Paterson Displaces 15 Residents A three-alarm fire in Paterson displaced 15 people. The Paterson Fire Department responded to a two-and-a-half story wood-frame home at 272 Union Ave. and firefighters dealt with frozen hydrants and water supply issues in the cold weather. – Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
Shed a Total Loss in Richland Fire companies of Richland, East Vineland, Collings Lakes, and Milmay from the Buena Vista Township Fire Departments were dispatched to 681 Tuckahoe Road for a report of a shed on fire behind the dwelling at that location. East Vineland Chief Mark Corsiglia enroute reported a large column of smoke. Richland Chief Tony Monfredo arrived, established command, and reported a shed on fire. Command had first due East Vineland Engine 1221 pull into the driveway of the residence and had its crew pull two lines onto the fire. The fire involved two sheds, one in front and one behind, which were well involved. The fire was brought under control quickly, with crews remaining on scene for mop-up and overhaul. – Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Fire News, April 2026, Page 21
Dumpster Fire Unloaded on Street
On January 21, 2026, Paterson crews operated at a dumpster truck fire on Getty Avenue by St. Joseph’s Hospital ER entrance. The driver offloaded the contents on the street, when he noticed it was on fire. – Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
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Early Morning Fire at Serenity Now Spa
Just after 1 am on January 31, 2026, the Somers Point Fire Department responded to a reported commercial structure fire at Serenity Now Massage & Facial Spa on Bay Avenue. Somers Point Police arrived first and confirmed a working fire with heavy fire conditions in the rear of the building amid single-digit temperatures. Fire crews initiated an interior attack and brought the blaze under control by 7 a.m. Assisting companies included Bargaintown, Linwood, Marmora, Northfield, and Scullville Fire Departments, along with Somers Point Fire Company. – Fire News photos by Heather Berchtold & Ken Badger
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Propone Tank Leak Averted in Jackson
Whitesville Fire Station 57 was dispatched to a food truck on S. Hope Chapel Road for a large propane tank leaking. Ocean County Hazmat Station 85 and Lakewood Rescue 1 were requested to the scene to assist with flaring operations to safely release the tank of its contents. – Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
NJEPA Annual Conference – See You Soon in Atlantic City! April is here, which means the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA) Annual Conference is right around the corner! We are excited to welcome emergency management professionals, first responders, public officials, and privatesector partners from across the state and beyond for another outstanding week of learning, collaboration, and networking. This year’s conference will take place April 20–24, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. The event brings together professionals from across the emergency management community to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities through training, breakout sessions, and discussions on emerging challenges in the field. Throughout the week, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on training sessions, attend informative breakout presentations led by subject-matter experts,
explore the exhibit hall featuring innovative technologies and services, and connect with colleagues from across local, county, state, federal, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations. The NJEPA Conference continues to serve as a premier forum for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and strengthening New Jersey’s emergency preparedness community. With over 1,000 attendees expected and a full schedule of professional development opportunities, this year’s conference promises to be another valuable and engaging experience for all who attend. As the conference quickly approaches, we look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces, welcoming new attendees, and continuing the important conversations that help advance preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation across our communities. Safe travels to Atlantic City, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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House Fire on Icy Cold Day in New Milford Several 911 calls reporting smoke coming out of the house at 700 block of Berkeley Street. First arriving reported the heavy smoke from a single-family dwelling. Crews immediately pulled lines and went work immediately. Shortly afterward, crews reported all the occupants were out of the building. Residents advised there might be a fire in the basement. Crews made an aggressive attack into the structure. Conditions deteriorated very quickly command pulled everybody out. Shortly after that, the fire was extinguished and companies switched out manpower due to the icy and cold conditions. The department of public works arrived with 2 trucks with sand or salt due to icing conditions. – Fire News photos by Chris Denton
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2-Alarmer in Paterson with Heavy Fire Paterson operates at a 2-Alarm fire with heavy fire in the rear at 71 Totowa Avenue. – Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
Smokin’ Car on Fire in Budd Lake Budd Lake Company dispatched for a reported a car on fire in the driveway of 53 Flanders Road. Car 50 and FM3 arrived and reported a well-involved car half in the driveway and half on the road. Engine 59 arrived and stretched their bumper line and quickly put down the flames. There was some minor extension to a garbage can and a fence, there were no injuries and no damage to the home. The car was driving and smoke filled the car, so they pulled off the road. – Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
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Attic Fire in Woodland Park Woodland Park in West Paterson crews operates at a working house fire, with fire located in the attic on Ryle Park Avenue on January 29, 2026. – Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
2 Cars in Wooded Area with 1 Driver Trapped
The Scullville and Bargaintown fire companies responded to Ocean Heights and Pine Avenues on January 21, 2026, at 1033 hours for a report of a motor vehicle crash with entrapment. Scullville Chief Vern Cruse arrived, established command, and reported a two vehicle crash off the road and into the woodlands. Crews begin extrication, both vehicles side by side, so firefighters removed trees to gain
access to the trapped occupant. A full roof and passenger door removal was needed to free the trapped occupant, and once the occupant was removed, they were turned over to EMS and transported. The cause of the crash is under investigation by EHT Police. – Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Car Crashes Into Commercial Building, Driver Flees
Totowa Fire and Police departments along with New Jersey State January 11, 2026. There was no entrapment and the driver fled on Police operated at a vehicle into a building on Union Boulevard on foot. – Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
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Single Car Entrapment on GSP Farmington and Bargaintown crews responded to milepost 38.8 southbound on the Garden State Parkway on February 5, 2026, for a report of a motor vehicle crash with entrapment along with EHT Ambulance and New Jersey State Police. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived, established command, and reported no entrapment. Command had the crew of Rescue 1527 cut the battery cable and returned to service. The injured were treated by EMS and transported. The cause of the crash is under investigation by NJSP parkway division. – Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
MVA Rollover on Garden State Parkway Farmington and Bargaintown from the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department responded to milepost 37.2 northbound on the Garden State Parkway on January 20, 2026, for a report of a MVA with entrapment. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived, established command, and reported a rollover with no entrapment. Firefighters disconnected the battery and applied absorbents on the roadway, and stood by until the vehicle was removed. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the New Jersey State Police. Also responding were Egg Harbor Township EMS and MICU Paramedics. – Fire News photo Ken Badger
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Paterson Crews Handle Car Fire on Rte. 19
The Paterson Fire Department was dispatched to a fully involved car fire on Route 19 north exit ramp by Grand Street on January 11, 2026. – Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
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Rollover and Entrapment by Hamilton Mall Fire companies from Cologne, Laureldale, and Mays Landing responded to Route 322 in front of the Hamilton Mall for a report of a motor vehicle crash with rollover and entrapment. Police arrived first and confirmed entrapment. Firefighters upon their arrival stabilized the vehicle and did a full roof and door removal. Once the occupant was removed they were transported to the hospital by the squad. – Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe & Ken Badger
FIRE & SAFETY SERVICES EXPANDS WITH NEW BAYVILLE, NJ LOCATION OPENING APRIL 2026
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 2026 EMERGENCY VEHICLE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
South Plainfield, NJ – March 9, 2026 – Fire & Safety Services is proud to announce the expansion of its operations with the opening of a new 13,200-squarefoot service facility located at 27 Gladney Avenue in Bayville, New Jersey. The new location is scheduled to open in April 2026 and will enhance the company’s ability to serve customers throughout South Jersey more efficiently. The Bayville facility is designed to support both operational excellence and future growth. The building features 11,000 square feet of service space consisting of eight 60-foot-long service bays capable of accommodating up to eight trucks simultaneously, allowing for increased service capacity and faster turnaround times. In addition, the site includes 2,200 square feet of additional space for office, administrative, and operational needs. Upon opening, the Bayville branch will be staffed by a dedicated Service Manager and Shop Technicians. The location will handle all preventative maintenance and repair services, ensuring streamlined operations and improved service delivery for regional customers. “This expansion reflects our commitment to better serving our New Jersey customers,” said David Russell, Principal and President of Fire & Safety Services. “We have been exploring potential locations for some time now, and the new Bayville location is ideally situated for the growth we’ve experienced over the last few years in the southern counties of the state. This location strengthens our operational capabilities and positions us to respond more quickly and efficiently to customer needs.” The opening of the Bayville facility marks an important milestone in Fire & Safety Services’ continued growth and dedication to providing reliable, high-quality service solutions. For more information about First & Safety Services including updates and announcements regarding the Bayville location, please visit f-ss.com, follow @fireandsafetynj on social media or contact service@f-ss.com.
Susan Nicol – The Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award will honor EVTs who keep their fire apparatus and fleets on the road for the next emergency. Firehouse and Spartan Fire Chassis have partnered again this year to honor those who keep the emergency vehicle fleets on the road with the 2026 Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) of the Year Award. Nominations for the 2026 EVT of the Year Awards opened today, with the winner being honored at the Fire Truck Training Conference later this year. “We’re excited to continue this partnership with Spartan Fire Chassis and REV, which allows us to highlight the unsung heroes of fire and emergency fleet management,” said Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews. “As fire apparatus and emergency vehicles become more complex, the EVTs hone their skills year-after-year, staying up to date with the latest technology and standards to ensure firefighters are ready to roll at any time of the day.” The winner will be honored by Firehouse and Spartan Fire Chassis at the 2026 Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in Lansing, MI, in September. “Spartan Fire Chassis has been a proud sponsor of the EVT Award since 2017. We look forward to honoring the 2026 winner at our annual Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in Lansing, Michigan this fall”, said Chris McClung, vice president of the Fire Group, Terex Corporation. The EVT of the Year Award was created in 2003 by Janet Wilmoth, Firehouse’s Special Projects Editor, to recognize mechanics and vehicle technicians after witnessing the work of her brother, an Illinois-based EVT, and others who are dedicated to keeping first responder vehicles on the road. Since then, dozens of EVTS have been recognized for their outstanding efforts to maintain emergency vehicles and create innovative solutions for their fleet's unique needs. FTTC has been the leading hands-on training event for EVTs since 1999, first launched by Spartan Motors. Over the years, it has evolved into a full week of intense sessions, along with EVT Certification testing and is sponsored by REV Fire Group and REV Ambulance Group. You can find the criteria and submit your EVT of the Year nomination here. The deadline for submissions is April 29.
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Valentine’s Evening Crash 2 Injured Cardiff and Farmington companies were dispatched to milepost 6.3 eastbound on the Atlantic City Expressway on February 14, 2026, for a motor vehicle crash with entrapment. Cardiff Chief Wm. Danz Jr. arrived and established command for a single vehicle off the highway with two persons heavily entrapped. Firefighters removed both doors of the vehicle and removed the passenger first and the driver second. They were transported to the trauma center by EHT EMS along with Atlanticare paramedics. – Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Car Losses Control in Snowstorm Just as the snowstorm got into full gear a car driving down Flanders Drakestown Road in Budd Lake lost control and flipped over into the river alongside the bridge. The driver got out on his own and was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. Rescue 55 with 2 firefighters in ice suites assisted with hooking up the car to a tow truck. Units cleared and continued to stand by at quarters for the duration of the storm. – Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
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New Jersey Forest Fire Service Presentations Chief Bill Donnelly provides an update to more than 250 members of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) from Division B (Central Jersey) gathered at the Whiting Fire Station in Manchester Township on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The evening included presentations by various members of the NJFFS leadership team on topics ranging from 2025 major event reviews, health and safety, apparatus changes, and fleet up-dates, working safely around highways and railways, and out of state deployments. Founded in 1906 with a focus on wildland fire suppression and fire protection, the NJFFS has more than 85 full-time staff, and more than 1,500 trained part-time on-call wildland firefighters throughout the state. Its mission is to protect "life and property, as well as the state's natural resources, from wildfire. NJFFS manages 3.72 million acres of land, utilizing fire towers, wildfire engines, aircraft, and dozers. – Submitted by Kelly Gabliks
Overturned Car Hits Parked Car in Paterson Paterson Fire Dept. operates an overturned vehicle that hit a parked car at 586 Main Street. – Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
Mays Landing House Fully Engulfed Fire companies of Mays Landing, Cologne, and Laureldale were dispatched to 6301 Quinn Avenue for a report of a dwelling fire. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived, established command, and reported a working fire. Command had Mays Landing Tender 1819 rap the hydrant on the corner and lay into the scene. The fire was now venting through the roof, and firefighters used several lines to put water on the fire. Firefighters work for several hours overhauling and hitting hot spots, and the fire is under investigation by the Township of Hamilton Fire Investigator. – Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Asbury Park New Fire Station After years of living in poor conditions in a deteriorating historic fire house located on Main Street, the firefighters in Asbury Park are welcoming a massive 8-bay station on Memorial Drive. The new station features a modern living space with plenty of space for the growing fleet of apparatus. Additionally, the new station has multiple areas for hands on training, a class room, a new gym, new kitchen, day room with a secondfloor balcony, private offices for fire prevention and officers, a tool room, and even a museum to preserve the departments history. The members of Station 83 will officially move into the new station in Spring 2026. – Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
2 Separate Car Crashes on Black Horse
Fire companies Cardiff and Bargaintown, responded to 6211 Black Horse for a report of a motor vehicle crash with a pole and wires down and an overturned vehicle with no entrapment. Firefighters arrived to find two crashes; one on the eastbound lane with the overturned vehicle and downed pole and wires, and a second on the westbound side involving two vehicles that rear-ended. Firefighters de-energized the vehicles and stood by until the utility company arrived with the scene being turned over to them. The cause of the crash is under investigation by EHT Police. – Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Fire News, April 2026, Page 37
Deer Rescued From Fence in North Arlington
North Arlington Fire Department was dispatched to 450 Belleville Turnpike to assist Bergen County Animal Control for a deer trapped behind a fence. Upon arrival members of Engine 1, Ladder 3, & Rescue 5 went to work cutting apart the fence to free the trapped deer. – Fire News photos by Michael Saggau Jr.
Garage Fire Caused Major Damage in Allamuchy
The Allamuchy Township Fire Department was dispatched to Meadowlark Lane for a reported smoke condition. The call was quickly upgraded to a working garage fire. Crews immediately stretched handlines and initiated an aggressive interior attack. Budd Lake’s Ladder went to the roof and assisted with vent and overhaul. No injuries were reported among occupants or firefighters. Multiple area departments assisted at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Mount Olive Fire Marshal’s Office. – Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
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Tribute
Howard Bennett, Firefighter Camden Fire Department
After a fire department training, Firefighter Howard Bennett fell into the Delaware River and became trapped under ice-covered water. Firefighter Bennett was rescued by crews and transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased on February 5, 2026. – Submitted by Frank Saia