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“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” Albert Einstein WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, NJ (April 7, 2021)--Today, Wednesday, at 5:38 AM, the Winslow Township Fire Department was dispatched to a fire in the warehouse section of the John Mansville Plant. Numerous mutual aid companies were dispatched to the scene to fight the fire. All employees have been accounted for without any apparent injuries. Fire crews are on scene continuing to overhaul the area along with fire investigators to determine a cause. Camden County Hazmat is on scene conducting air monitoring in the area. Read more →

Wildfire Danger Increases in Spring/Marylanders Urged to Take Precautions Maryland DNR photo Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires. Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring and fall when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy — are most conducive for the spread of fire. On days when this threat is most likely, the department will issue a “red flag” status. “The conditions that can make a pleasant spring day can unfortunately also help spread fires,” Maryland Forest Service State Fire Supervisor Chris Robertson said. “Our state and local firefighters are prepared for the season, and we ask the public’s help... Read more →

DURING PEAK SEASON, FOLLOW EIGHT TIPS TO PREVENT WILDFIRES TRENTON – Mid-March through May is peak wildfire season in New Jersey. Nearly all of New Jersey’s wildfires are caused by people, through accidents, carelessness, negligence and even arson. In 2020 the Forest Fire Service responded to more than 1,000 wildfires, 12 of which were sparked by natural causes, such as lightning. In total, wildfires in New Jersey burned 4,796 acres of land last year. More information about wildfires is available on the new New Jersey Fire Danger Dashboard. Most wildfires are preventable. Here’s how you can help: Don’t discard cigarettes, matches or smoking materials on the ground. Obtain required permits for campfires from your nearest Forest Fire Service office. Don’t leave fires unattended and be... Read more →

SICKLERVILLE NJ(March 21, 2021)--Saturday, March 30 at approximately 9 AM while on routine patrol, Patrolman J. Ferren observed flames coming from the rear sliding door of a ground floor apartment at the Edgewood Acres Apartment complex in the Sicklerville section of Winslow Township. image courtesy of Depositphotos Patrolman Ferren immediately notified Central Communications to dispatch the Winslow Township Fire Department. Patrolman Ferren was able to gain entry through the front door of the apartment where he heard someone calling for help. He was able to make his way through the heavy smoke condition and locate an elderly victim laying on the floor. She was carried out to safety where he began first aid until Winslow Township EMS arrived. The victim was transported to the hospital... Read more →

Megan Steele | NJ Sierra Club A brush fire that broke out Sunday afternoon in Lakewood, NJ grew into a major forest fire by Sunday evening. The fire had damaged 30 homes and buildings and forced the Garden State Parkway to temporarily close from Exit 82 to Exit 91. As of Monday morning, Route 70 to the Garden State Parkway was still closed. The fire had spread to 170 acres. One firefighter has been reported as critically injured. “Our thoughts go out to those who have been injured or whose homes have been damaged from the fire. Although the fire started small, it has grown over 170 acres and at least one firefighter is critically injured. Unfortunately, climate impacts and the environmental impacts from overdevelopment... Read more →

First Responders and Public Safety Professionals Save 25% During All First Responders - Current or Retired - with a Valid ID are Eligible North Kingstown, RI - (March 11, 2021) – Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier privately-held discount retail chain with 142 stores in New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, will offer a 25% discount for First Responders and Public Safety Professionals from March 18th through March 24th during First Responder Discount Week. OSJL provides an ever-changing array of household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (such as holiday, gardening, patio, pool and beach supplies), kitchen-pantry staples, a broad offering of gourmet and international specialty foods and station/firehouse necessities and the discount applies to almost everything* in any Ocean State... Read more →

Arizona multi-agency task force discover meth lab in firefighter residence SELLS, Ariz. – A Tohono O’odham Nation member and active firefighter was one of two people arrested Monday for operating a methamphetamine lab at a mobile-home located in the remote area of the Village of Santa Rosa following a probe by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and federal officers with the Native American Targeted Investigations of Violent Enterprises (NATIVE) Taskforce. Stephen Folson, 36, and Desiree Saraficio, 29, admitted to conspiring to possess and manufacture methamphetamine after federal agents searched their home. “Meth labs are basically ticking time bombs, waiting for a single spark to ignite and explode causing irreparable damage and, in the most extreme cases, death,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown. “Not only... Read more →

BLENHEIM, NJ --March 3, 2021, at approximately 0333 Hrs. Gloucester Township Police Dispatch received several calls for a reported fire at the Howard Johnson Hotel, 832 North Black Horse Pike in the Blenheim Section of Gloucester Township, New Jersey. Arriving officers observed heavy fire from the roof. Officers began to evacuate occupants as numerous fire companies arrived on location. Multiple fire companies operated on the fire which incorporated 2 of the 3 buildings. The fire was placed under control at approximately 0530 hrs. There were no injuries and a numerous amount of residents were displaced. State Highway Rt. 168, The Black Horse Pike, was shut down for an extended time between Almonesson and Brown Ave. The fire is currently under investigation by multiple agencies. photos... Read more →

Please make all checks and vouchers payable to Rowan College of South Jersey. Payment in full or department voucher must accompany registration to confirm and guarantee seating. No refunds, however, substitutions are permitted. Registration closes when class limit of 30 is reached. Registration form can be found at: https://www.rcsj.edu/fireacademy Read more →

The Camden County Hero Scholarship organization is anxiously awaiting the opportunity to start hosting its fundraising events again. With the uncertainty of the current pandemic, they are taking things one day at a time. In an effort to raise some money for their scholarship program they are selling T-shirts and sweatshirts. Dawn M. Ragan, Executive Director of the organization said, "We made a promise to help with the education of the children of our heroes that have given their lives in the line of duty. As well as to support our annual scholarship program for graduating high school seniors. The money raised from the sale of the t-shirts and sweatshirts will help us keep that pledge." The available products include short sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve... Read more →

Throughout the most recent couple of months, I've seen a sharp ascent in the estimation of the bitcoin. I didn't have the foggiest idea what Wikipedia was and had never known about cryptocurrency a couple of months prior. Yet, with the new government and media consideration regarding digital currencies, they have grabbed everybody's eye. Cryptocurrency or all the more basically computerized cash is acquiring acknowledgment everywhere on the world as it makes exchanges quicker and less expensive. These exchanges are encoded and every exchange has its own signature or private key. As its worth and prominence develops, so does the requirement for a piece of activity. There are two fundamental approaches to bring in cash with bitcoin. Now the https://bitcoin-pro.live/ is available and presenting lots... Read more →

Members of the Deptford Police Department recently picked up their PPE donation from the Ocean State Job Lot store located at 409 Almonesson Road in Deptford, NJ Recipients include first responders in all 142 communities in which OSJL operates North Kingstown, RI – January 12, 2021 - Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has leveraged its global supply chain to provide hundreds of thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare organizations and municipalities. In continuation of that effort, the Foundation is currently distributing more than $1.7 million worth of additional PPE to police and fire departments in the 142communities where Ocean State Job Lot stores are located across the Northeast. The donations include pallets of PPE including... Read more →

By William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Part of the rain gutter is hanging down from the top roof soffit and is being held in place by a thin rope. There are numerous bags, of an unknown substance stored on the shed roof. The property has been in this condition for months according to neighbors. (CNBNews photo) (GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (January 25, 2021)--A Monmouth Street resident living in the 800 unit block contacted us about a home in their neighborhood. They were concerned that the substance in the bags being stored on the roof along with the firewood and debris piled along the side of the home was a fire hazard. They also said the property was unsightly and has looked this way since the... Read more →

On January 19, 2021, Age 73, of Gloucester City. Born in Camden, NJ he was the son of the late Walter and Alice (Britton) Cunningham. John is survived by his loving daughter, Melissa Anderson (Rob); cherished grandchildren, Angel, Christopher, John, Stephanie; brothers, Walter Cunningham, William Cunningham; sisters, Nancy Roscoe, Dolly Rotchford and Beatrice Cunningham; he is also predeceased by his wife, Patricia (McKernan) Cunningham and grandchildren, Christina and Joyce. John worked for 35 years as a fabricator with Thermoseal Industries in Gloucester City. He was an associate member of the Pine Grove Fire Association from1975 to 2007. Honoring his wishes, there will be no viewing or services. Burial will be held privately at a later date. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.comunder the... Read more →

CAMDEN CITY N.J. (January 4, 2021) – Recognizing the bravery and commitment of volunteer firefighters and first responders, New Jersey American Water announces its 2021 grant program for volunteer fire departments and emergency responders (e.g., ambulance and first aid squads) located within the company’s service areas. “We are proud to continue to support the brave men and women who volunteer their time and risk their lives to protect our communities. This program is just one way we say thank you to these everyday heroes,” said Denise Venuti Free, director of Communications and External Affairs, New Jersey American Water. Grants may be used to cover the costs of personal protective equipment, communications gear, first aid equipment, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other materials that will be... Read more →

Donald Berman Abele, Sr. Gloucester City – On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. Age 73. Beloved husband of 51 years to Sharon D. (nee Billingham). Cherished father of Donald Jr. (Kelly), Shanie (Danny), Kyle Sr. (Agnieszka). Devoted grandfather of Kayla, Kaitlyn, Kyle Jr., Serena, Sydney, Donovan. Beloved brother of John (Linda), Identical Twin Ron (Rosetta) and Ed (Anne). Survived by former daughter-in-law Kelly (West) Abele. Predeceased by his parents, William and Florence Abele, his siblings, Vesta Reineck, William Jr., Mary Hunter and his father and mother-in-law, William and Mary Wilke. Survived by his many brothers and sisters in law and many nieces and nephews. Donald was born in Philadelphia, PA. He was a life member and dedicated volunteer of the Gloucester City Fire Department Station... Read more →

Brooklawn – On December 21, 2020. Age 78. (Nee Zane) Born in Philadelphia, PA she was the daughter of the late William H. and Ruth E. (Wood) Zane. Loving and devoted mother of Joanne E. Pulaski. Beloved sister of Linda Shockley (John) and William B. Zane, she is also survived by nieces and nephews. Doris was also predeceased by her husband, Joseph J. Pulaski on March 19, 2004 and her brother Stephen J. Zane in 2016. Doris resided in Brooklawn since 1976. She was a former Parishioner of St. Anne’s and St. Maurice R.C. Church. She is a member of Saint Mary’s R.C. Church in Gloucester City where was a member of the choir. Doris was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the... Read more →

A Fireman/EMT slides across an icy lake to save a dog in freezing water. Everyone thought the dog, named Chalie was OK, but suddenly he stopped breathing — and they had to figure out how to get him back FAST. Special thanks to Charlies Dog Rescue & @TheresaFireDepartment (https://www.facebook.com/TheresaFireD...) for this incredible rescue footage! For more, visit: http://thedo.do/charliesdogrescue. RELATED PETS ARE THE BEST DAWN WATSON PET TIPS Read more →

William F. “Bud” Harvey William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews (Gloucester City, NJ)(November 20, 2020)--Longtime Gloucester City resident William F. "Bud" Harvey passed away suddenly on November 18, 2020, at the age of 91. Bud was one of the first full-time Gloucester City firemen. An animal lover he always had a dog by his side throughout his life. Collies were one of his favorite. Most recently it was Angel, a mixed Chihuahua that he adopted. A man with a warm smile Mr. Harvey would go out of his way to help someone in need be they a friend or a stranger. Many of his friends knew him as Bill. He was a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary's Parish for decades. Back in the 1960s he... Read more →

Since we are unable to host our November Coach Bingo due to the current Pandemic, we are raffling off bags that we had previously purchased. A picture of the bags being raffled off is attached! Dawn M. Ragan, Executive Director Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund 162 W. White Horse Pike Berlin, NJ 08009 (856)768-9656 www.camdencountyhero.com You don’t have to be a hero to keep a dream alive… Read more →

(GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP NJ)(Nov. 1, 2020)--Gloucester Township Police and Fire Departments remind people of the simple, life-saving habit of changing and testing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when setting the clocks back for daylight saving time. The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71% of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. This reinforces how important it is to take this time each year to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Address/Location Gloucester Township Police Department 1261 Chews Landing Rd Gloucester Township, NJ 08021 Contact Emergency: 9-1-1 Non-emergencies: 856-228-4500 Read more →

image courtesy of WPVI 6abc.com GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (Nov. 1, 2020)--Gloucester City firefighters were called to a home in the 400 unit block of Hudson Street Saturday night at 11:45 PM, according to WPVI aka 6abc.com Smoke and flames were coming from the second floor of a two-story row home at the end of the block when the firefighters arrived on the scene. A person living in the home was able to escape unharmed. It took approximately 45 minutes to bring the fire under control. Firefighters were able to keep it contained to just the one house. RELATED: CATEGORY FIRE Read more →

FOLSOM, NJ, October 26, 2020 – South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of South Jersey Industries (NYSE: SJI), today announced the kick-off of its annual First Responders Grant Program. Through the program, SJI awards grants to provide critical support for operations conducted by first responder departments. All paid or volunteer fire, emergency medical services and police departments serving at least one of the municipalities in the South Jersey Gas service area are eligible to apply. To review the official rules and guidelines, including a complete list of municipalities in the service area, and to submit an application, please visit www.southjerseygas.com/community. All submissions must be received by South Jersey Gas no later than Friday, November 13 by 5 p.m. About South Jersey Gas South Jersey Gas, subsidiary... Read more →

images courtesy of Fox29.com Camden City N.J. – A homeless man has been charged in connection with a fatal fire at a Camden apartment building on Sunday, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer and Camden County Police Chief Joseph Wysocki. Brandon Adams, 34, was charged with two counts of first-degree Felony Murder for committing an arson that caused the deaths of two men. The Camden County Police Department and Camden City Fire Department were called at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2020 for a fire at a three-story apartment building located on the 3400 block of Cramer Street in Camden. Firefighters ultimately made entry into the building and numerous residents were evacuated. Two unidentified male victims died as a result... Read more →

Randell Paul, of Gloucester, NJ, passed away on October 9, 2020 He was aged 52 years Legacy Known by his closest family and friends as "Bennie"; he was a graduate of Gloucester City High School Class of 1986. Bennie was a volunteer member of Gloucester Heights Fire Department and rose to the rank of Battalion Chief before retiring. On the tragic night of July 4, 2002, Bennie bravely saved a number of brother fire fighters who were trapped in a dwelling fire that took the lives of three firemen and three children; which he was later presented with a Medal of Valor for his brave act. Bennie worked as a Golf Cart Mechanic for Golf Cart Specialties for many years. Away from work, Bennie will... Read more →

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(October 19, 2020)--The Bucks County Rescue Squad is a non-profit organization serving Bristol Borough and approximately half of Bristol Township in Pennsylvania. This squad has long needed a new ambulance and was recently gifted a state-of-the-art vehicle that can accommodate basic and advanced life-support medical emergencies. photo courtesy of Levittownnow.com/ This fully equipped ambulance boasts the most modern cutting-edge technology that any rescue squad needs and the Bucks County Rescue Squad was excited to be recipients of such a valuable donation. Sponsorships The Bucks County Rescue Squad received this new ambulance thanks to a Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County grant. The grand was funded by PA online gambling giant Parx Casino, based in Bensalem. This company recently took its operations online and now offers gamblers... Read more →

Brooklawn – On October 15, 2020. Age 86. Loving and devoted husband of 65 years to Yvonne “Bonny” Sliwa. Loving father of Robert S. Sliwa, Jr. and his wife, Lisa. Cherished grandfather of Hayden Sliwa. Beloved brother of Edward Sliwa, Rita Dzomba and the late Marie DelaCour. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Hazel Brothers as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Robert was born in Camden, NJ to the late Stanley and Mary Sliwa. He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Camden and attended LaSalle and Temple Universities before proudly serving our country in the U.S. Army. Robert had a successful 37-year career at Campbell Soup Company, retiring as an accounting manager. He was a Brooklawn councilman for many years, a... Read more →

MAYS LANDING- Two members of the Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company are charged with official misconduct, conspiracy and theft, following the execution of a search warrant on Tuesday at the Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced. Pursuant to an ongoing criminal investigation, led by ACPO Detectives Michael Peterson and Mark Perna, on September 29, 2020, members of the ACPO/Office of Professional standards and Accountability and the Township of Hamilton Police Department executed a Search and Seizure Warrant at the Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company in Hamilton Township. This official misconduct and theft investigation of MVFC members is connected to allegations of the creation of unauthorized account(s) at NAPA Auto Parts, using the MVFC funds and tax exempt status. As... Read more →

By Ted O'Neil | The Center Square (The Center Square) – As wildfires continue to ravage California and other western states, a new study from the Goldwater Institute in Arizona and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Michigan sheds light on how poor forest management, not climate change that many politicians want to blame, is the real culprit. “Extinguishing the Wildfire Threat” was written by Jason Hayes, director of environmental policy at the Mackinac Center, which is based in Michigan. Both it and Goldwater are free-market think tanks. While Hayes’s study focuses primarily on Arizona, its findings can be broadly applied. He discussed his research during a teleconference Tuesday afternoon. Hayes referred to the “virtue signaling” of politicians who want to use climate change... Read more →

PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 1, 2020)--As President Trump defends our nation’s first responders from crippling budget cuts, the Philadelphia Firefighters' and Paramedics' Union, Local 22 of the International Association of Fire Fighters endorsed his re-election. After the Obama-Biden Administration allowed for several Philadelphia fire companies to shut down, President Trump mobilized FEMA to rebuild our nation's emergency response capabilities. Following the overwhelming support for President Trump among the Local 22's 4,500 members, the union broke with the International Association of Fire Fighters' endorsement of Joe Biden in a letter: “The members of Local 22 respectfully break with the undemocratic IAFF endorsement of Joe Biden and pledge our full support to President Donald J. Trump,” said President Mike Bresnan. “The Biden endorsement was done without a canvas... Read more →

Important The following is an important safety message for anyone who may have golf carts/low speed vehicles plugged in at their residential properties. This message comes from Avalon Volunteer Fire Department Chief Edward Dean: To our golf cart style Low Speed Vehicle Owners: Under the right conditions and while charging the batteries of the LSV (Low Speed Vehicle), potentially dangerous levels of hydrogen gas can be released in the charging process. In order to prevent injury and/or property damage, the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department recommends the following precautions: – Maintain the LSV, especially monitoring the battery liquid levels and adding in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. – Avoid charging the LSV while you are sleeping, especially if the LSV is inside a closed garage. –... Read more →

West Coast Forest Fires NJ Sierra Club The West Coast is facing unprecedented forest fires that are still growing uncontrollably. Firefighters in California, Oregon, and Washington have been battling multiple fires throughout the state for nearly a month as hot, dry weather has fueled flames and created tinderbox conditions. More than 16,750 firefighters were struggling with 29 major wildfires across the state as of Sunday, according to CalFire. These wildfires have burned more than five million acres, destroyed homes and left at least 26 people dead. “The forest fires happening in California, Oregon, and Washington show the dire reality of a warming planet. Over 5 million acres have been burnt, that’s almost the size of New Jersey. Warmer and drier temperatures and soil are some... Read more →

CHERRY HILL, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced $358,842 in federal grant funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for local fire departments. “Our first responders are more vital to us now than ever before, and this federal funding will help protect those who are keeping us safe through the pandemic,” said Congressman Norcross. “We must do all we can to ensure our firefighters are as safe and well-equipped as possible to respond to fires, battle natural disasters and save lives. These resources will allow our local fire departments to better their programs and equipment, so that the ones who run toward danger have the support they need to do their job best.” The following local fire departments received grants through... Read more →

Gloucester City – In the loving care of his family, Earl passed peacefully on August 19, 2020 at the age of 74. Loving and devoted husband of 24 years to Louise A. Fowler (nee Hickson). Loving father of Michelle and Thomas Quinn, Stephanie and John Bryszewski, Kimberly and Michael Morrell and Earl Jr. and Kelliann Fowler. Predeceased by his daughter Dawn Digiacomo and surviving Vincent Digiacomo. Cherished grandfather of Meghan Cairns (Mike), Eryn Boyle (Kevin), Thomas Quinn III (Jordan), Derick Fowler (Ashley), Amber Digiacomo, Vincent Digiacomo Jr., Dominick Digiacomo, Samantha Bryszewski, John Bryszewski, Jr., Hannah Bryszewski, Michael Morrell, Colin Morrell, Earl Fowler III, Abigail Fowler and Wyatt Fowler. Cherished great grandfather of Olivia, Sophia, Anastasia, Greyson, Ethan, Delaney, Thomas IV, Blake, Brianna, CJ, Max and... Read more →

On August 13, 2020. Age 41. Of Gloucester City. Loving fiancé of Any Canning. Loving father of Ina Jean Miller, Hayley Mae Miller, Paisley Anne Miller and Michael Ray Miller, Jr. Beloved son of Russell Miller and Emma Mantooth. Beloved brother of Jennifer McDonald (Robby) and Nicholas Miller. Cherished uncle of Quinn and Kayleigh Stubbins and Tyler McDonald. Michael was a volunteer fireman for many years for Dorothy Fire Department, Mechanicsburg, PA Fire Department and Brooklawn Fire Department. He worked many years in the construction business. Michael’s family is planning a memorial to be held soon. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Michael R. Miller. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph: 856-456-1142 Read more →

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(July 30, 2020An oil refinery is an industrial processing plant where crude oil is refined into a number of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, paraffin wax, asphalt, tar, and liquefied petroleum gas. Oil refineries are an important part of the American economy, and refineries offer a large number of jobs to local oil and gas workers. Gloucestercitynews.net files Anyone living in the country knows the risks inherent in working at a refinery, such as explosions, gases, and chemical spills, fires, and other occupational illnesses associated with oil. Unfortunately, most of these accidents could be completely avoided if safety and maintenance procedures are properly followed. If you have been injured in an explosion at an oil refinery, contact our Houston plant explosion lawyer at... Read more →

Date: July 22, 2020 Incident Location: 100 block of Breckenridge Dr. Sicklerville GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ (July 23, 2020)--On Wednesday July 22, 2020 at approximately 8:35 PM, the Gloucester Township Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a house in the 100 block of Breckenridge Dr. had been struck with lightning and was on fire. Officers arrived to find smoke and fire from the attic and roof area of the home. Officers verified that the residents, 2 parents and 4 juveniles, were evacuated and there was no one still inside. Numerous fire departments arrived to quickly extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. Due to smoke and water damage, the residents of the home have been displaced until repairs can be made. The cause of the... Read more →

(Jackson Township, NJ)(July 10, 2020)--Yesterday a forest fire started in Jackson Township in Ocean County. The fire has already burned at least 204 acres through the Colliers Mill Wildlife Management Area outside of Cassville. No roads have been closed, and the Department of Environmental Protection has reported that containment is at 80 percent. They expect incoming Tropical Storm Fay to finish the job. “This forest fire in the pines of Ocean County is another example of the impacts of climate change. Thankfully, the fire is in a remote area so no one has been injured and no structures have been damaged. It is also lucky that this fire broke out right before Tropical Storm Fay, so it should be fully extinguished soon. However, forest fire... Read more →

Location: 5 Thisleton Road, Gloucester Township, NJ On July 3, 2020 at approximately 8:20 pm, the Gloucester Township Police Department's Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a house fire at 5 Thisleton Road in the Sicklerville section of Gloucester Township. Arriving Officers observed smoke coming from the interior of the residence and a small fire on the first floor in the kitchen area. Officers attempted to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers but were unable to douse the growing flames. Gloucester Township Fire District 85-Lambs Terrace and Fire District 86- Erial along with the Pine Hill Fire Department responded and placed the fire under control after several minutes. A pet dog was inside of the residence at the time of the fire and was... Read more →

DEP Needs to Hold Those Responsible Accountable GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ -- An asphalt tank exploded and burst into flames early this morning in the 200 block of Water Street in Gloucester City. The asphalt tank, owned and operated by Blueknight Energy Partners, caught fire and exploded around 12:49am. The tank is used for asphalt emulsion, and was in use when the incident occurred. “The explosion of the asphalt tank is a terrifying example of what can happen to dangerous and polluting facilities in our communities. Even after it exploded, the asphalt tank was on fire for at least 3 hours, putting out thick, dark, toxic smoke into the community. It was lucky that nobody was hurt and that the fire didn’t spread, but the people... Read more →

UPDATED The asphalt tank that was on fire The Gloucester City Fire Dept. is remaining on the site photo courtesy of CBSN Philly UPDATED: GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (June 30, 2020)--A huge fire broke out early this morning at the BlueKnight Asphalt plant, after an asphalt tanker exploded in flames. People in the nearby neighborhood were evaluated. According to CBSN Philly there was a loud explosion. The plant is located at the intersection of Water Street and King Street next to Proprietors Park. In a prepared statement the Gloucester City Fire Department said offsite atmospheric monitoring remains within normal limits. All residents within the evacuation zone are permitted to return home. There will be a GCFD presence remaining on scene and steam will continue to be... Read more →

photo courtesy of Postal Times MORRIS TOWNSHIP NJ--A mail truck in Morris Township caught fire on Saturday and some vote-by-mail ballots being delivered to voters were destroyed, the New Jersey Globe has learned. The U.S. Postal Service notified Morris County election officials on Monday morning that an undetermined number of ballots were burned. These were ballots being delivered to voters and not completed ballots on their way to the Board of Elections, although it’s not immediately clear if the letter carrier picked up any returned ballots prior to the fire. Election officials are in the process of determining how to send out replacement ballots. It’s not immediately clear if the post office knows exactly which ballots were on the truck. The postal employee driving the... Read more →

Monday, June 22, 2020 NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced $169,200 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development grants and loans to support firefighters and first responders in Cape May and Ocean counties. Gloucestercitynews.net files “New Jersey’s firefighters and first responders put their lives on the lines every single day to protect families and businesses in their communities,” said Sen. Menendez. “This critical funding will ensure our brave first responders have the equipment they need to stay safe while continuing to save lives and protect their communities.” “It’s imperative that New Jersey’s firefighters have the resources they need to keep themselves and our communities safe,” said Sen. Booker. “This federal funding will help New Jersey firefighters do their... Read more →

Generator Safety: Follow manufacturer’s instructions and ensure proper ventilation ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Generators are critical during severe weather events, when the power can go out, as well as bringing power to remote job sites and in disaster recovery and emergencies. During hurricane season, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, reminds home and business owners to keep safety in mind when using generators. “Not having power when you need it is frustrating, so a generator can provide emergency backup power at a reasonable cost. But, it’s important to follow all manufacturer’s instructions when using one,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. “For instance, never... Read more →

Stanford Medicine is offering high-priority COVID-19 testing and a new screening and informational app, built with the support of Apple, to local police, firefighters and paramedics. A new app, called the First Responder COVID-19 Guide, is designed to help first responders screen their symptoms and, if needed, schedule a testing appointment at Stanford Health Care. Stanford Health Care has begun offering priority drive-through COVID-19 testing to police, firefighters and paramedics in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. To serve frontline providers, Stanford Medicine also introduced a new app, called the First Responder COVID-19 Guide, which was built with the support of Apple to help these first responders screen their symptoms and, if needed, schedule a testing appointment. The app, which uses Apple’s ResearchKit and CareKit... Read more →

TRENTON - (APRIL 17, 2020)--Now that peak wildfire season is underway in New Jersey, the State Forest Fire Service is reminding residents how they can help to avoid forest fires, which are almost always caused by people. The Forest Fire Service also announced the outcome of its investigation into the cause of the 2019 Spring Hill wildfire that burned for a month, devastating thousands of acres of in the New Jersey Pinelands, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said today. The filing of civil charges comes one year after the fire burned 11,638 acres of land in Bass River and Penn State forests. A complaint signed Friday, March 20, charges five individuals with setting a fire without written permission, and failure to extinguish... Read more →

PHILADELPHIA PA (April 16, 2020)--The Fire Communications Center (FCC) is the nerve center of the Philadelphia Fire Department — where 911 calls are answered, and where ambulances and fire companies are dispatched to emergencies across the city. FCC personnel serve as lifelines to everyone they speak with. Last year, the FCC handled an average of 1,014 calls per day via 911—or about 126 calls per call-taker over a 12-hour shift. For National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12-18), we talked to four FCC staff members about their jobs and how things have changed in the COVID-19 coronavirus era. Interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity. Karuna Kong: When people call 911, they expect a certain amount of help. I like being behind the scenes... Read more →