New Milford NJ Volunteer Fire Department
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This morning , members from both companies participated in the annual “Touch A Truck” event at Berkley School. Crews spent time with students explaining our equipment, showing the rigs, and discussing fire safety.
As the demonstration was wrapping up, a Triboro box was transmitted for the 300 block of Reichelt Road for an activated fire alarm with a reported odor of something burning inside an apartment. Engines 33 and 34, Truck 31, and Chief 302 responded immediately from Berkeley School, only a few blocks away.
Upon arrival, PD advised that the apartment door was locked, no one was answering, and a light smoke condition was visible from the unit. Engine 34’s crew and Chief 302 forced entry using irons and confirmed a moderate smoke condition inside.
Chief 301 arrived and assumed command. Engine 34 quickly located the source of the smoke: the oven had been left on with pots stored inside. The plastic handles on the lids had begun to melt, causing the smoke condition. All contents were removed, and the unit was ventilated and turned over to maintenance.
Crews from Oradell checked neighboring apartments for any extension or smoke and found none. Units operated on scene for just under an hour before being released by command.
At this past Monday night’s meeting, both companies proudly welcomed two new members into our ranks.
Company 2 swore in Matthew Arroyo, and Company 1 swore in Dominic Jango.
Both men have taken the first step on a journey they’ll carry with them for a lifetime—one filled with service, memories, and friendships that will stay with them forever.
Congratulations, gentlemen, and welcome to the family.
On 4/7/2026, just before 0900 hours, the Department was dispatched to the intersection of Henley and The Boulevard for a three‑vehicle motor‑vehicle accident with a reported fluid spill.
Truck 31 and Engine 34 responded. Upon arrival, crews secured the batteries on two of the involved vehicles and applied Speedy Dry absorbent to contain and mitigate leaking automotive fluids. Personnel remained on scene for approximately 30 minutes until all vehicles were safely removed by towing services.
No serious injuries were reported. However, two occupants were transported to the hospital as a precaution.
On 3/30/2026 Just before 2:30 p.m., a Battalion 9 Box was transmitted for a reported fire inside a classroom at Saint Joseph’s School on Elm Street in Oradell. The fire originated in a ceiling light fixture, prompting an immediate evacuation.
Thanks to the quick actions of teachers and faculty, all students were safely evacuated without any injuries. A school custodian used a fire extinguisher to knock down all visible flames prior to the arrival of fire units.
First‑arriving crews encountered a moderate smoke condition throughout the building. Firefighters from all three towns deployed multiple fans to ventilate the structure and used thermal imaging cameras to check for any hidden extension. Crews remained on scene for roughly an hour before being released by command.
Approximately two hours after clearing the school incident, the department was dispatched to a small brush fire on River Road near the entrance to ShopRite. Engine 34’s crew quickly extinguished the fire before it could spread.
Just before noon on March 28, 2026, the NMPD requested assistance from the Fire Department on the 400 block of Milford Ave for a resident who had become stranded on his roof.
While clearing debris from his chimney, the homeowner’s ladder to the upper roof section fell, leaving him unable to get down safely.
Chief 301 arrived on scene and requested 31 Truck to set up and assist with removing the individual using the bucket. Fire crews positioned the apparatus and safely brought the resident down from the upper roof.
The individual was unharmed, grateful, and relieved for the quick response and assistance.
On March 17, 2026, just before 9:30 PM, 31 Truck responded alongside Chief 301 and Chief 302 into the Borough of Bergenfield for a working residential structure fire.
31 Truck was assigned as the scene’s RIT/Fast Team and remained on location for approximately 1.5 hours before being released by command and returning to the Borough.
This incident marked the third call of the day for the department and for 31 Truck. Earlier in the day, crews handled an AFA at the Middle School as well as an oven fire on Charles.
Today, members of Co. 1 proudly attended the annual Bergenfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade to honor our very own New Milford Police Chief Brian Clancy, who served as this year’s Honorary Grand Marshal. A well‑deserved recognition for a dedicated leader in our community.
Of course, the work doesn’t stop for the NMFD. As units were clearing from the parade, crews were dispatched to B.F. Gibbs School for an activated fire alarm. Firefighters conducted a full sweep of the building and confirmed the activation was accidental.
While wrapping up from that call, Central dispatched units to Cleveland Street for a reported carbon monoxide alarm. Crews checked the residence thoroughly using multi‑gas meters, found no CO readings, and determined the detector to be faulty.
These runs marked our 21st and 22nd calls of the month — a reminder that even on festive days, the NMFD stays ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
Just another busy day for the NMFD, serving our community with pride.
This afternoon at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Department was dispatched to a two‑vehicle motor‑vehicle accident with reported injuries and possible entrapment at the intersection of River Road and Fulton Street. Upon the arrival of Chief 301, Central was advised that all occupants had self‑extricated from their vehicles. Chief 302 arrived shortly thereafter, followed by Engine 34, Engine 32, and Truck 31.
Crews applied Speedy Dry absorbent to mitigate a fluid spill and secured the batteries of both vehicles. The drivers appeared to have sustained minor injuries but were transported to the hospital as a precaution.
Units remained on scene for roughly 30 minutes until both vehicles were removed by the tow company.
On March 10, 2026, the department was dispatched to a reported brush fire outside Sanzari’s Restaurant, with flames located close to the structure. Chief 30 and Chief 302 arrived first and confirmed an active brush fire near the building.
Engines 33, 34, and 32, along with 31 Truck and Squad 36, responded. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and checked the structure for any extension. After clearing the building with thermal imaging cameras, it was determined that the fire originated from faulty wiring powering the exterior lights and junction box. Power to the outside lighting was secured.
While still on scene, Central notified Command of another call: a strong odor of natural gas outside a residence on Ridge Street.
Command assigned Chief 301, Engine 32, 31 Truck, and Squad 36 to investigate. Crews located low levels of natural gas in the storm drains and requested Public Service. Nearby homes were checked as a precaution, with no readings detected inside. Units remained on scene for approximately 30 minutes until Public Service arrived and released all fire department resources.
Less than 30 minutes after returning to quarters, crews were dispatched again for a reported microwave fire at the Brookchester Apartments. Chief 30 arrived and reported that the fire had been extinguished by the tenant. The response was held to Engine 33, and the situation was quickly brought under control.
Just another busy day in the Borough.
At last night’s Company 1 meeting, Firefighter Mathew Rajner was officially presented with his Black Shield.
When a new member joins the department, they enter a probationary period following graduation from the Fire Academy. During this time, they are expected to demonstrate a solid understanding of department procedures, firefighting skills, and fireground operations. Before coming off Firematic probation, each member must complete a comprehensive and often demanding evaluation administered by the company officers. This assessment includes hands‑on tasks—such as operating equipment and properly donning turnout gear—as well as a wide range of questions covering department protocols and on‑scene scenarios.
Matt, who came up through our Junior Program and completed Firefighter I last year, passed his probationary test with outstanding performance. Earning his Black Shield signifies that he is fully capable and trusted to operate on any fire scene with confidence and competence.
Congratulations, Matt—well deserved, and best of luck as you continue your service!
Yesterday (3/1/2026) was a typical day for the New Milford Fire Department (NMFD), with a total of four calls for service — ranging from two automatic fire alarms and a reported gas leak, to an evening hazardous materials response.
At approximately 8:00 PM, the NMFD Hazardous Materials Team was requested into the Borough of Oradell to assist the Oradell Fire Department with a leaking acetylene cylinder in the basement of a large multi-family apartment complex on Kinderkamack Road.
Upon arrival, the cylinder was carefully removed from the building and relocated to the rear parking lot to ensure the safety of residents and responders. While several team members secured and evaluated the cylinder for leaks, additional personnel worked alongside Oradell firefighters to sweep the building using multi-gas meters to confirm that no hazardous readings remained.
Residents had been evacuated as a precaution during the incident. Once the cylinder was rendered safe and the structure was thoroughly checked and cleared, occupants were permitted to return to their homes. The scene was then turned back over to Oradell Fire Department.
The NMFD Hazardous Materials Team operated on scene for just under one hour before safely returning to the Borough.
At 12:30 PM on February 26, 2026, while crews were returning from a runaway boiler call on Trensch Drive, the Department was dispatched to the intersection of Boulevard and Hoffman for a two‑vehicle motor‑vehicle accident involving air‑bag deployment and a significant fluid spill.
34 Engine, 31 Truck, Squad 36, and Chief 30 responded. Both drivers were out of their vehicles upon arrival, and no serious injuries were reported. EMS was requested to evaluate all occupants as a precaution.
Crews applied Speedy Dry absorbent to the roadway and ensured that both vehicles’ batteries were secure and not compromised. Units remained on scene for approximately 30 minutes until both vehicles were removed by tow.
These incidents mark the 124th and 125th calls for service so far this year. The busy start to 2026 continues, and the NMFD remains ready for whatever the year brings.
When seconds count a clear fire hydrant can mean the difference between life or death. If you have a hydrant in front of your home or business please do your part in keeping them clear and accessible.
While most of us were warm and dry in our beds during this epic snowstorm, members of the NMFD spent the night away from their homes, standing by at their firehouses so they could respond instantly to any emergency in town.
Crews from 31 Truck and 34 Engine are seen here handling a Carbon Monoxide call right in the height of the storm. Their dedication to this department and to our town is truly inspiring.
After a long night serving the community, many of them went home to dig out their own families—running on just a few hours of sleep.
Well done, ladies and gentlemen. Your commitment does not go unnoticed.
On Tuesday, 2/10/2026 at 5:15 a.m., the Department was dispatched to the Borough of Bergenfield as the FAST Team for a working structure fire. Chiefs 30 and 302, along with 31 Truck, responded. Upon arrival, conditions deteriorated rapidly, and the incident was quickly upgraded to a second, then third alarm due to the volume of fire encountered.
31’s crew was reassigned from FAST duties to fire suppression. Initial crews made an aggressive interior attack, but worsening conditions inside the structure forced a withdrawal for safety. 31’s crew repositioned their handline to the Delta side and continued suppression efforts, battling not only the fire but also harsh weather conditions that made an already difficult job even more demanding.
Once the fire was knocked down, 31’s crew assisted with extensive overhaul and hot-spot extinguishment. After nearly five hours on scene — tired, soaked, and cold — the crew was finally released.
This incident marked the third working fire for the NMFD in just four days, on top of eight additional calls in the borough during the same period. These ranged from water conditions and gas leaks to assisting the NMPD with gaining access to a home where an elderly, immobile woman was experiencing a medical emergency. With no safe entry available, crews sent a member through a second-story window to unlock the door so EMS could reach her.
This four‑day stretch tested every member of the Department physically and mentally but as usual the members of the Department not only met those challenges, they did it without complaining or wanting to quit. Hats off to everyone and a JOB WELL DONE!!
