A fire in the abandoned Galaxie Chemical plant goes to 5 alarms.
See story on page 8
Clifton Boom Lift Accident
Clifton FD was called to an overturned boom lift that killed one worker.
See story on page 9
2 Dozen Displaced in Getty Ave. Fire
The fire is through the roof on arrival; one FF is transported from 3 alarmer.
See story on page 16
Multiple Structures Burned in Ridgefield Park
Houses, garage, cars, apartments burned in Brinkerhoff Street blaze.
See story on page 18
Monmouth Academy Application
More than 130 applicants gather for the 2026 Joint Fire Application Process.
See story on page 23
Car MVA into Restaurant
An SUV crashes into the brick chimney of Vineland’s 5 Points Inn.
See story on page 30
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Fire Caused by Solar Panels
The Middletown Township Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of East Road in the Belford section of Middletown Township. Upon arrival, Chief of Department Daniel P. Kelly confirmed visible fire extending from the roof, possibly involving solar panels. Fire crews from Belford conducted a search of the residence and gained access to the attic, while ladder operations were initiated to knock fire down on the roof. The Port Monmouth Fire Company also responded to provide additional resources. The Port Monmouth First Aid Squad and EMS Chief Craig Schwartz stood by to provide medical support. No injuries were reported. The fire was under investigation by the Middletown Township Fire Prevention Office, under the direction of Edward ‘Buddy’ Skelly.
- Submitted by Middletown Twp. FD
2-Alarm Kitchen Fire Quickly Handled in Fair Lawn
A passerby called 911 to report smoke coming from a home on the 38 block of Paterson Street in Fair Lawn; the Fair Lawn Fire Department was quickly dispatched. Upon arrival, Chief Michael Salvni reported smoke coming from the residence and requested a second alarm, bringing mutual aid from Paterson, Saddle Brook, Elmwood Park and Paramus. The fire was quickly knocked down by the first two arriving engine companies, and damage isolated to the kitchen area. There were no injuries to the residents or to firefighters.
- Submitted by Douglas Sadowski/Fair Lawn FD, Photo courtesy of Marty Pelta
Down Wires Causes Brush Fire in Egg Harbor
Farmington and Cardiff Departments responded to Plum Street on March 14, 2026, for a report of a structure fire. Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe established command and reported a brush fire, and requested the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, with C-37 responding under the command of District Warden WilHancock. Upon the arrival of Farmington Engine 1543, one line was pulled, and with the assistance of the crew from Cardiff Engine 1517 and Tower 15, the fire was contained to a small area. Command requested a response from Atlantic City Electric because, upon further investigation, it was discovered that the fire was caused by utility wires snagged in a tree, which shorted out and started the fire.
- Fire News photo by Cindy Badger
Erratum
On page 7 of the May 2026 edition of New Jersey Fire News, the photo of the working fire (not a four-alarm fire) was by Frank Saia. Our apologies for the errors. – Ed.
Large Barn in Washington Destroyed
In Washington Township (Morris County) crews were called to Hacklebarney Road in the Fairmount section of town for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, they found a well-involved large barn with possible exposure problems. Fire crews started stretching handlines and putting the ladder in service. A second alarm was struck, bringing two RITs and manpower, as well as station coverage. The fire was brought under control just after midnight. The fire was under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office and the Washington Township Police Department.
- Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
Ventnor 3-Alarm Fire
The City of Ventnor Fire Department responded to Sunset Avenue on April 11, 2026, for a report of an active fire. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire in the rear of a multi-story wood frame structure and requested a second alarm. The fire eventually grew to three alarms and extended into the attic. Extensive mutual aid was brought to the scene and for cover up. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Fire Started in Wood Pile by Garage in Middletown
The Middletown Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire on Acker Drive, Fire Chief Daniel Kelly, Deputy Chief Kevin Morrissey, First Assistant Chief Jake Lawrence and Third Assistant Chief David D’Arcy arrived and confirmed a pile of wood actively burning adjacent to a detached garage, with heavy smoke emanating from the structure. Firefighting units from the Port Monmouth and the Old Village responded promptly, extinguished the fire, and conducted overhaul operations on the garage and surrounding siding to ensure all remaining hot spots were eliminated. Approximately 15 firefighters operated on scene under the direction of Chief Kelly. The incident remains under investigation by the Middletown Township Fire Prevention Office, under the direction of Fire Marshal Edward “Buddy” Skelly.
- Submitted by Middletown Twp. FD
5-Alarmer at Abandoned Chemical Plant
On April 3, 2026, Paterson companies in the 3rd Battalion were dispatched to reports of a building fire in the area of North Straight Street and East Main Street. Multiple calls were being received with conflicting locations, but all reporting a fire. Upon arrival of Deputy Chief Cleenput, he reported a vacant 200- x 300-foot single-story factory fully involved with exposure to an attached vacant four-story warehouse. He requested all responding engine companies to locate hydrants and establish water supplies. The corrected address was reported on Piercy Street, at the abandoned Galaxie Chemical Company, holding hundreds of drums of chemicals. With heavy fire conditions, water pressures issues, a fourth alarm was transmitted. Due to heavy fire, radiant heat conditions and the danger of collapse
several apparatuses were forced to shut down operations and relocate to a safer area. Several explosions could also be heard from within the building. Water pressure continued to be a problem and the Passaic Valley Water Commission was requested to boost the pressure in the area. A fifth alarm was requested to establish additional water supplies from outside the area and successfully keep the fire from spreading into the four-story building. At the two-hour mark, the majority of the fire was knocked down, however pockets of fire remained through-out the building including several which were gas fed requiring the gas company to shut gas to the area. Companies remained on the scene throughout the night. No injuries were reported and the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Deadly Boom Lift Accident
On April 13, 2026, the Clifton Fire Department operated at a fatal industrial accident. An overturned boom lift at a Main Avenue site, while unloading the boom lift off a flatbed truck, toppled over and killed a worker. OHSA was on the scene.
-
Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
Small Shed Fire Stopped in Hackensack
On March 26, 2026, Hackensack E-5 was dispatched to the area of Spring Valley Avenue and Herman Street for a reported brush fire. Upon leaving the station, the crew observed a column of smoke coming from the area. On arrival, a small shed was fully involved behind a Spring Valley Avenue residence with a single-story detached garage being threatened. The captain requested a handline, and quickly knocked down the main body of fire. Crews overhauled and checked the garage for extension and none was found. The fire was placed under control by Deputy 1 in about 15 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Garage Fire Extends to House in Roxbury
A Succasunna home was substantially damaged by a fire that started in its attached garage. The two-alarm fire took place on Jill Terrace when calls came into the communication center that there was a fire in the garage, which was quickly spreading to the rest of the home. Roxbury companies 1, 2 and 3 responded and did an exterior attack with a deck gun, then went to several handlines. Mutual aid companies started to arrive and provided a water supply and extra hands to control the fire.
- Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
Garage Fire Quickly Stopped in Ocean Gate
Resident Evacuated at Bargaintown Washer Fire
Bargaintown and Cardiff were dispatched on April 3, 2026, at 1544 hours, to Oakland Avenue for the report of a washing machine on fire. Cardiff Chief Wm. Danz III arrived, established command, and was informed by the police that there was a person in a wheelchair on the second floor who needed to be evacuated. Command had arriving personnel assist with the removal of the person and had the crew of Bargaintown Rescue 1527 stretch a line to the rear of the structure and extinguish the fire. Remaining crews assisted with ventilation, salvage and overhaul. Also assisting were the Egg Harbor Township Police and Egg Harbor Township EMS.
- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
On April 16, 2026, Ocean Gate, Bayville and Pine Beach fire companies responded to a reported garage fire on Point Pleasant Avenue. Units arrived to fire showing on the exterior of a detached garage with exposure issues to a home on the Bravo side. First arriving Pine Beach Engine 3801 was able to quickly stretch a line and knock down the exterior fire preventing any extension. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Lack of Water Source Calls in Area Companies for House Fire
The volunteer fire companies of Weymouth and Laureldale were dispatched to 1st Avenue in Weymouth for the report of a dwelling fire. Weymouth Chief John Carrigan arrived, established command, and reported a well-involved single-family wood-frame dwelling with fire through the roof. Weymouth’s Engine 1844 pulled an attack line and Engine 1843 fed its tank water. Due to the severity of the fire and the lack of hydrants in the area, command requested mutual aid water tenders from the Buena Vista, Newtonville and Collings Lakes. As crews arrived, additional handlines were pulled to achieve a knockdown. The fire took an hour to bring under control, and the cause was under investigation. Also responding were Hamilton Township EMS and police. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Garbage Truck’s Hot Load Dumped
Late in the morning of April 24, 2026, Budd Lake and Flanders responded to the Parkade Mall for a garbage truck fire. Upon arrival of Cars 50 and 52 along with Engine 59, the driver had dumped its load of garbage onto the parking lot. Engine 59 stretched a front bumper line and started to knock it down. Tender 57 and Engine 95 arrived to provide water and assist. The fire was knocked down within 15 minutes and the garbage company came in and cleaned up the parking lot and hauled away all the garbage. - Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
Farmington Fire and NJ Forest Fire Dual Training
Members of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company in Egg Harbor Township trained with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service on April 21, 2026. Training consisted of structure protection, wildfire suppression and awareness, and preservation. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
2 Dozen Displaced, 1 FF Injured in Fierce Fire
At 2330 hours on March 1, 2026, Paterson firefighters responded to reports of a building fire on Getty Avenue. Prior to FD arrival PD units were reporting a working fire with people trapped. Squad 6 arrived to a working fire in a large three-story frame dwelling. The fire was already through the roof. Command evacuated the building and switched to a defensive operation. A third alarm called for additional manpower and water. With three aerial streams, one deck gun and several 2-1/2 inch exterior handlines the heavy fire was being darkened down. Crews remained on the scene throughout the night. Two dozen residents were displaced, and one firefighter was injured and transported to the hospital.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Multiple Homes, Vehicles Destroyed or Damaged
Early on April 21, 2026, a single 911 call from the resident on Brinkerhoff Street in Ridgefield Park stated she could see visible flames and smoke at the rear of her home. As Assistant Chief Alberque approached the scene, he saw a well involved private dwelling and requested a second alarm. As companies arrived, they encountered heavy fire in the rear of the original fire building and extension into both the B and D exposures, as well as a fully involved 1-1/2 story garage, severely threatening a garden apartment in the rear; a second garage was also burning as were two vehicles. To further complicate operations, numerous propane cylinders were exploding and one was later found on an adjacent street a block away. Being a dead end, crews had to establish additional water supplies from hydrants as far as two-blocks away
Save the Date: 28th Annual NJEPA Conference
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association Conference. Your participation, engagement, and support helped make this year’s event another tremendous success.
We would also like to thank FireNews for their continued support of the conference and the first responders who attend each year.
We’re already looking ahead to next year and are excited to announce the 28th Annual NJEPA Conference will return to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ from April 12–16, 2027. Be sure to save the date and follow NJEPA for future updates, registration information, and conference announcements.
requiring command to transmit a third and then fourth alarm. Over 100 firefighters from 15 departments worked to bring the fire under control in just under three hours. Two homes and a garage were destroyed, a third home and another garage were heavily damaged, a fourth home sustained radiant heat damage and two vehicles were destroyed. Eleven occupants were displaced. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were transported to the hospital, several more were treated at the scene. The Bergen County HazMat team was requested to remove several lithium-ion batteries, several propane tanks which were damaged, two needing to have their product burned off. The Ridgefield Park Fire Prevention Bureau was conducting the investigation into the cause.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Basement Fire
Quickly Handled
Woodland Park Fire Department operated at a working basement fire on West 34th Street on April 18, 2026. - Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
Apartment Building Fire in Woodbridge
In the early morning of April 17, 2025, Woodbridge fire companies along with Perth Amboy Fire responded to an apartment building fire on Plaza Drive. First arriving units had heavy fire on three floors that was spreading to adjoining units. A defensive posture was taken knocking down heavy fire before going interior to mop up.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Shop Rite Solar Panels Sparked Fire
Flames broke out at the Shop Rite English Creek location on Black Horse Pike. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy flames in the back of the building. Officials say faulty solar panels may have caused the fire.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Up Close & Personal
2 Vehicles Involved in High Impact Crash
Cologne, Laureldale, and Mays Landing Departments, along with EMS and Police, were dispatched to Wrangleboro and Tilton roads for a report of an MVA on March 12, 2026. Deputy 24 arrived and reported nothing showing. Investigating further, the deputy found a crash further down on Wrangleboro Road involving two vehicles off the highway with a large debris field and no entrapment. Laureldale Chief Chris Tilley arrived, established command, and confirmed no entrapment. EMS examined the occupants of both vehicles and transported them to area trauma centers. The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Township of Hamilton Police.
- Fire News
by Ken Badger
photo
Farmington’s Charlie ‘Elvis’ Harlan running the hydrant during drill night on April 14, 2026.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Farmington Chief Harry Goodman IV going over some points on pumping during drill night on April 14, 2026.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Westmont firefighter Frank Jackson. Checks out his turnout coat.
- Fire New photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Laureldale’s Chief Chris Tilley and Assistant Chief Eric ‘Doc’ Moran at a 1st Avenue fire in Weymouth.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Newtonville’s Chief Gene Sykes and Assistant Chief Herb Sykes. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Cardiff Chief Bill Danz III giving orders to incoming officers at the Shop Rite fire on March 21, 2026.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Monmouth County Fire Academy Testing
On March 21, 2026, more than 130 applicants gathered at the Monmouth County Fire Academy for the 2026 Joint Fire Department Application Process. The Joint Process is for employment with Wall Township Fire District 3, Millstone Township Fire District 1, Monroe Township Fire District 1, Monroe Township Fire District 3, Hopewell Township Fire District 1, and West Windsor Township Fire and Emergency Services.
- Submitted by Kelly Gabliks/Photo Credit: Louis DiPippa, West Windsor Township Fire & Emergency Services
2-Vehicle MVA with 1 Entrapment in Dorothy
3 Residents and 1 Captain Injured in House Fire
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
The Dorothy Fire and Rescue Squad and the Mays Landing Volunteer Fire Company responded to Dannenhauer Lane in front of Belco Liquors on April 18, 2026, at 1524 hours, for the report of an MVA with entrapment. Firefighters, EMS, and the NJ State Police arrived on location to find an overturned pickup truck with no entrapment and a Jeep in a field adjacent to the liquor store, with the driver entrapped. Dorothy Chief Jess Hand had firefighters perform a door pop and removed the trapped occupant, while EMS treated the remaining occupants of both vehicles who selfextricated. A total of three BLS were required to transport the injured. The cause of the crash was investigated by the New Jersey State Police.
On March 4, 2026, Paterson Fire Department received reports of a fire in the area of Madison Avenue and Park Street. Engines pulled up to a working fire on Madison and requested a second alarm for fire on all floors. Deputy 1 reported heavy fire conditions and that companies were transitioning to defensive operation. A third alarm was requested as conditions deteriorated. Dispatch received a report of a possible child trapped in one of the buildings, which turned out to be false. At one point, a propane cylinder was located in the original fire building and was safely removed by a firefighter. The fire took almost two hours to be placed under control. One fire captain and three residents were injured. The fire was under investigation.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Mobile Field Communications
Truck Repurposed
After years of dedicated service as one of the mobile field communications vehicles used by the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, this one’s mission was repurposed, and life expectancy extended for another year, before going to the fleet auction. It is being used by the county as a mobile community outreach resource as the county and its 53 municipalities prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and Monmouth County’s significance to the American Revolution.
- Fire News photo by Kelly Gabliks
SUV Fire in Livingston Held from Extension
At about noon on April 27, 2026, members of the Livingston Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire near the house on Lafayette Drive in Livingston. Upon arrival, Fire Chief Mullin reported a fully involved SUV approximately 30 feet from a residence. The fire was extinguished without incident or injuries, and it did not spread to the residence.
- Fire News photos by Chris Mullin
Clean Up Day in Long Branch
The firehouse members of West End Fire Company 3 in Long Branch we’re cleaning the firehouse while others performed an apparatus check on Engine 77 and gave it a much needed bath.
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Car Flips, Driver Trapped
Landing and Laureldale Departments responded to 19th Street and Harding Highway for an MVA with overturn, and a patient entrapped, and CPR in progress. The patient was quickly removed, turned over to EMS for treatment, and transported to the medical center. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the Township of Hamilton Police.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
SOURCEWELL AWARDS SVI TRUCKS WITH SOURCEWELL CONTRACT FOR FIRE APPARATUS & FIRE SERVICE VEHICLES
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – March 9, 2026 – SVI Trucks is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract to provide firefighting apparatus and fire service vehicles to public agencies across North America. Through the Sourcewell 082025-SVM cooperative purchasing agreement, entities like fire departments and law enforcement agencies, can purchase SVI rescue vehicles, wildland apparatus, command vehicles and other emergency vehicles through a streamlined procurement process with preferred pricing.
tracts, this partnership grants any public agency access to purchase from SVI Trucks through this public purchasing process. SVI Trucks supplier listing can be found under “Super Vacuum Manufacturing.”
Sourcewell, a self-funded governmental organization established in 1978, facilitates a cooperative purchasing program that harnesses the collective purchasing power of more than 50,000 participating agencies. SVI Trucks secured the Sourcewell contract following a rigorous request for proposal (RFP) process, ensuring compliance with local procurement requirements, while proving the company delivers exceptional value and service.
By streamlining procurement with pre-negotiated Sourcewell con-
“The SVI Trucks team worked extremely hard to earn this contract on behalf of our customers,” SVI Trucks Vice President of Sales Joel Konecky said. “We recognize that consortium purchasing is essential to helping departments securing the life-saving apparatus they need to serve their communities, and we are excited to streamline the purchasing process through this new Sourcewell partnership.”
About SVI Trucks
SVI Trucks, a Super Vacuum Manufacturing Company located in Fort Collins, Colo., builds custom fire apparatus, including rescue trucks, hazmat units, command vehicles, fire engines, tanker trucks, law enforcement vehicles and more. To see SVI’s full fleet, visit svitrucks.com. To browse drawings, features and specifications of a truck, visit SVI’s Apparatus pages and click on any truck image.
NFPA TO HOST ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO IN LAS VEGAS ON JUNE 22-24, 2026
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) will host its annual Conference & Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on June 22 to -24, 2026. This comprehensive event brings together thousands of the industry’s leading professionals who will attend more than 130 educational sessions addressing the latest issues, challenges and trends in the world of fire, electrical, and life safety, including code compliance, emergency preparedness and response, emerging technologies, global safety issues, public education, building and construction safety, fire protection systems, industrial hazards, electrical safety, and more.
The NFPA Expo will feature more than 420 exhibitors, showcasing the latest products and services available to help meet and maintain compliance with prevailing codes and standards in the design, construction and operation of buildings and facilities of every kind.
of community risk reduction. The Spotlight on Latin America is a Spanish language program with targeted sessions covering current industry trends impacting Latin America.
Dan Chuparkoff, one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work, will be the keynote speaker at the conference’s opening general session. Sharing his skill as an AI-educator combined with his formula for harnessing the power of innovation, Dan helps audiences escape disruption to find growth and success.
Attendees will have access to three NFPA Specialty Theaters as well. The Facility Manager Theater, The Responder Theater and the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study.
This year’s NFPA Spotlight on Public Education (SOPE) is a threeday program exclusively for individuals in the public education field, covering a wide range of public health topics and the powerful impact
The NFPA Technical Meeting, which allows NFPA members and the public to express positions through debate on each certified amending motion (CAM), is scheduled to take place on June 25-26. The NFPA Standards to be presented for action at the 2026 Technical Meeting are those with amending motions submitted to NFPA in advance of the meeting and certified by the Motions Committee of the Standards Council. Anyone who has been a continuously active member of the association since December 27, 2025 and is registered for the 2026 Tech Session, will be eligible to vote on all CAMs.
For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium is officially scheduled — and registration is open.
Since 1990, F.I.E.R.O. has proudly hosted the first and longest-running Fire Station Design Symposium in the nation. This year, we return to the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, South Carolina for three and a half days of education, collaboration, and connection.
Dates: September 21–24, 2026
• Location: Hyatt Regency, Greenville, SC
• Pre-Conference Seminar: Monday, September 21 (Full Day)
• Main Symposium: September 22–24 (Half Day)
Whether you are a firefighter, architect, facility planner, or industry professional, this is the premier event for fire station design, construction, renovation, and technology.
Mark your calendars and watch your inbox — full program details are coming soon.
We look forward to seeing you in Greenville.
Warm regards, The F.I.E.R.O. Team
Atlantic County Valor Night
The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held their Harold J. ‘Whitey’ Swartz Valor Awards and 50 Year recognition ceremony at the Atlantic County ‘Tony’ Canale Training Center on April 15, 2026.
Those honored for valor were: Lieutenant Matthew Dempsey, Pomona VFC, Certificate of Valor Class One; Firefighter Shane McNew, Pomona VFC, Certificate of Valor Class One; Firefighter Joseph Reitzier, Atlantic City, Certificate of Valor Class One; Officer Gary Johnson, Egg Harbor Township PD, Certificate of Valor Class One; Officer Chad Fraser, Egg Harbor Township PD, Certificate of Valor Class One; Firefighter Nicholas Stewart, Oceanville VFC, Certificate of Valor Class One; Firefighter John Parker, Oceanville VFC, Certificate of Valor Class One.
Those honored for 50 years of service were: Robert Akeret, Bayview VFC; Donald McBride, Bayview VFC; James Galvin, Cardiff VFC;Kevin Seelman, Dorothy VFC; Donald Michael Morey, City of Northfield FD; Charles E. Endicott, Sr., Oceanville VFC; and Robert Blumberg, Somers Point VFC. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharp
Above: Oceanvile Asst. Chief Chuck Uhl, Nicholas Stewart and John Parker.
Top right: Matthew Dempsey (in uniform) and family. (Dad is a past-Assistant Chief with Pomona).
Right: Somers Point FF Robert Blumberg and family.
Driver Trapped in Bargaintown MVA
Fire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville were dispatched at 1314 hours on April 15, 2026, to the intersection of Delaware and Ridge avenues for the report of an MVA with rollover and entrapment. Baraingtown Rescue 1527’s crew stabilized the vehicle and removed its windshield and, upon the arrival of Scullville Rescue 1537, had its crew stretch its front bumper line. Firefighters also performed a roof removal and removed the occupant, who was turned over to EMS and transported. The cause of the crash was investigated by the EHT Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Vehicle Crashes into 5 Points Restaurant
The volunteer fire companies of East Vineland and Richland from the Buena Vista Township Fire Department were dispatched to Tuckahoe Road and the 5 Points Inn and Restaurant, for a report of a vehicle into a building. East Vineland Chief Mark Corsiglia arrived and reported that an SUV had struck the building’s chimney, scattering debris and causing some brickwork to come to rest atop the vehicle. Firefighters disconnected the vehicle’s battery, assisted in debris removal and stood by until the vehicle was removed. The cause of the crash was being investigated by the New Jersey State Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Highland Hosts 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Highlands Business Partnership painted the town green for the 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 21, 2026. Fire and EMS agencies from throughout Monmouth County joined in the festivities in this historic waterfront community on Sandy Hook Bay, as did the fire and police pipes and drums from several New Jersey counties. - Submitted by Kelly Gabliks