A powerful storm caused a large tree to fall onto utility lines in River Edge, New Jersey, on July 4, 2026, sparking fires at three homes.

The River Edge Volunteer Fire Department was initially dispatched for arcing wires before finding a home near Fifth Avenue and Wales Avenue heavily involved in fire. Downed power lines also caused basement fires in two neighboring homes.

Energized wires on the property and in the street limited firefighting operations until utility crews could secure the power. Crews also encountered low water pressure.

Mutual aid from Oradell, New Milford, Hackensack, Paramus, and Teaneck assisted River Edge firefighters. The basement fires in the neighboring homes were extinguished, but the primary residence was destroyed. The family escaped safely.

The main fire was brought under control at approximately 2 a.m. on July 5. At least one firefighter suffered a minor injury and was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center. Later reports indicated that two firefighters were treated for minor injuries and released.

(1RN News Desk Helped Attribute to This Story)