New Milford NJ Volunteer Fire Department
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The New Milford Fire Department would like to extend our sincere thanks to all residents who took the time to clear snow from the fire hydrants in their neighborhoods.
During a recent structure fire, the hydrant on scene had been partially cleared, and that made a meaningful difference. Quick access to water is critical in every emergency, and fully cleared hydrants help us respond faster and more effectively.
We kindly remind everyone to continue keeping hydrants visible and accessible after each snowfall. A few minutes of effort can save precious minutes during an emergency.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our community safe.
2026 at 15:30 hours, the department was dispatched to a reported possible structure fire on Berkeley Street. While responding, Chief 301 was advised by NMPD that an active fire was confirmed at the location. Chief 301 immediately requested Central to transmit a Triboro Box, bringing mutual aid units from Oradell and River Edge.
Engine 32 arrived first due and deployed a 1¾-inch attack line to the front door. Chief 302 arrived shortly after, assumed interior command, and confirmed a working basement fire. Engine 32’s crew, supported by Truck 31, repositioned the initial line to the Bravo-side basement entrance, while a second line was stretched to back up the attack.
Crews from Engine 32 made an aggressive push into the basement but were forced to withdraw due to extreme heat conditions and heavy fire load. Fire extension was observed traveling up the walls to the first floor. Command ordered all personnel to exit the structure and initiated a quick exterior attack to knock back the basement fire and create safer conditions for re-entry.
Once conditions improved, multiple handlines were redeployed for interior operations. Crews from New Milford, Oradell, and River Edge successfully brought the fire under control. Dumont units provided RIT support throughout the incident.
Operations were complicated by freezing temperatures and a flooded basement, increasing hazards and slowing progress. Thanks to coordinated efforts from all Battalion 9 mutual aid partners, crews were able to make an excellent stop and prevent a total loss of the structure.
Units remained on scene well into the evening conducting overhaul and extinguishing hot spots.
Time of Dispatch: 11:15 AM 1/31/2026
Location: Graphic Boulevard
Incident Type: Water Condition / Burst Pipe
At approximately 11:15 AM, the department was dispatched to a residence on Graphic Boulevard for a reported water condition in the basement. Units 31 Truck and 34 Engine responded. Upon arrival, Chief 301 reported approximately 3.5 feet of standing water in the basement caused by a frozen pipe that had burst.
Public Service was requested to the scene and secured electrical power to the residence from the exterior. Chief 301 assigned a crew to don Ice Water Suits and enter the basement to secure the water and gas utilities. The crew successfully isolated and shut down all affected utilities.
Once the utilities were secured and the hazard was mitigated, the property was turned over to the Police Department and the homeowner. All units operated on scene for approximately one hour before returning to service.
It's been a busy 24 hours for the NMFD with a total of 6 calls for service. Including one for an activated commercial fire alarm on the Boulevard. Upon F.D arrival the first due Engine 34 was ordered to standby the nearest hydrant but unfortunately the hydrant hadn't been cleared after last weekends big storm. Ex-Chief Leonardi took it upon himself to shovel the snow away from the hydrant. Fortunately the alarm was caused by a water condition inside the business and not a fire. But this is a perfect example of the importance of making sure any hydrants near your home is cleared of snow. Had this been an actual fire precious time would have been lost while the F.D cleared snow from around the hydrant. Precious time that could mean the difference between life and death. So please make sure any hydrants near your home is kept clear of snow so we can use those precious minutes fighting any fire rather than shoveling snow. Thank you.
1/26/26 at 9:53pm NMFD 31 Truck and Chief 302 responded mutual aid to Bergenfield as a Fast Team for a house fire. 31 Truck’s crew assisted with laddering the home, exterior fire extinguishment, and checking for extension. Units operated on scene until shortly after 11pm.
The New Milford Fire Department would like to remind all residents who have a fire hydrant near their home or apartment to please take a moment to clear the snow from around it.
Keeping hydrants visible and accessible helps firefighters respond quickly in an emergency and protects everyone in the community.
Come out for a fun night of Comedy
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Today, the Borough of New Milford and the New Milford Fire Department gathered for the 43rd Memorial Prayer Service honoring Firefighter William Entwistle — a man whose dedication, courage, and sacrifice remain etched into the heart of this community.
Though decades have passed, the weight of his loss is still felt by all who knew him. Firefighter Entwistle served with unwavering commitment, answering every call with the quiet bravery that defines the very best of the fire service. His passing was not only a profound tragedy for the department and the borough, but an immeasurable loss for his family, who continue to carry his memory with strength and grace.
Each year, we come together not simply to remember the day we lost him, but to honor the life he lived, the service he gave, and the legacy he left behind. His name endures in the stories shared, the lessons passed down, and the brotherhood and sisterhood of firefighters who continue to protect this community in his honor.
May we always hold Firefighter William Entwistle in our hearts, and may his memory continue to guide and inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
Rest easy, Billy. Your service will never be will never be forgotten
It was a very busy 2025 for the NMFD, with over 420 calls ranging from gas leaks to structure fires. This short video highlights just some of the moments where our firefighters stepped up for the community. Outstanding work, NMFD — here’s to a great and safe 2026!”
1/9/2026 was another busy day for the Dept. with 5 calls for service ranging from 2 box alarm in Oradell and Riveredge schools. Then while returning from a gas leak call in the borough the dept was dispatched to Woodland Road for an outside fire next to a house. Chief 30 and Engine's 33 and 34 already on the road returning from the gas leak call redirected to the house where the grass outside the home had caught fire. The fire was already mainly extinguished by a neighbor prior to F.D arrival. Crews stretched a hose line to douse the area and ensure it was extinguished. A crew was also sent inside with a thermal camera to make sure there was no extension to the house. The crew was met with a moderate smoke condition in the basement requiring a fan to be set up for removal. Crews operated on scene for approx 30 minutes.
This evening 2 new firefighters, Dan Azzarone and Israel Echevarria were sworn in at New Milford Fire Company 2. Welcome to the brotherhood and best of luck.
On January 3, 2026, the Milford Fire Department was dispatched to a fire alarm activation in the 200 block of Virginia Avenue.
Deputy Chief 302 and Assistant Chief 301 were first to arrive.
Truck 31 arrived shortly after, and its crew was sent inside to investigate the source of the alarm.
Engine 34 was the next unit on scene. Its crew went inside to assist Truck 31, while the engine secured a water supply at the hydrant.
Engine 32 arrived next and was assigned to standby on River Road.
After a full check of the premises, it was determined that the activation was caused by a burglar alarm, not a fire alarm. No hazards were found.
All units were released and returned to service.
As 2025 comes to a close, the members of the NMFD would like to extend our sincere congratulations to outgoing Chief of the Department, Ralph Leonardi, on a truly successful year. We thank you for your hard work, leadership, and unwavering dedication—not only to the Borough, but to every member of this Department.
Your commitment has made a lasting impact. Job well done, Chief, and thank you for everything.
Some of the crew after this mornings kitchen fire took a second for a group buddy shot. Great job ladies/gentlemen. We love the pajama bottoms as well. lol
This Morning around 11am when most people were still opening Christmas presents the NMFD was dispatched to Center Street for a reported oven fire. Chief 30 and 302 arrived and were greeted with heavy smoke coming out the front door. 30 quickly upgraded the call to a working fire assignment and requested Central fill out the box bringing mutual aid from Oradell, River Edge and Dumont. 34 Engine and Squad 36 arrived within minutes of the call and stretched a hose line to the kitchen where the fire had quickly spread up the wall and into the ceiling. The crews quickly knocked the fire and 31 trucks crew immediately started opening up the walls and pulling the ceiling to check for extension. Oradell and River Edge crews performed primary searches in the two other units and helped secure the power and utilities to the house. Dumont was assigned as the RIT team. After all fire was knocked,
crews set up fans and performed extensive overhaul before being released by command just about an hour after the call came in. Crews weren't back in quarter's for more then 10 minutes when the Dept was toned out for an activated fire alarm on Luhmann Drive which thankfully turned out to just be burnt food. Great Job Battalion 9!!
