DOWNS: A fire broke out under a PATH train at the Newport station in Jersey City, August 4^th, that caused at least 13 passengers to be treated by medical personnel. Nine of those passengers were hospitalized after smoke filled their cars and caused commuter chaos, according to the NY Post.  

UPS: Hoboken firefighters and police officers teamed up to rescue a kitten that fell into a sewer on River St., Aug. 2^nd.  After getting a clean bill of health from the Veterinary Emergency Group, the kitten was adopted by a city Police Officer William Vera. His name is Hudson, after the Hudson River and River St., where he was found, according to “The Hoboken Girl.” 

DOWNS: A large water main break caused low water pressure in Fair Lawn on Aug. 24th. Mutual aid water tankers were called into the borough to stand by.   

UPS: In August, a ceremony was held in Montclair where local officials received $200,000 in state funding to assist in the repair for Fire Station 3. The house was closed in 2023 due to lack of funding for repairs to the building, in the South End, according to a Montclair Fire Foundation Facebook post.      

DOWNS: Homes in the area of Irongate & Nottingham roads, in Evesham, were evacuated on Aug. 4^thafter a construction crew ruptured a gas line that burned two construction vehicles, officials said.  There were no injuries.  A “significant” gas leak occurred and the gas ignited, causing the fire. 

UPS: Firefighter Kyle Asbrand has been promoted to captain in Bordentown.  

DOWNS: In early August, a massive underground water main leak behind Hinchliffe Stadium, in Paterson, affected some 200,000 Passaic County residents. Through mutual aid, at least 37 fire departments from ten counties sent water tenders and draft engines to Paterson, according to the Paterson Press. Nearby Prospect Park, Haledon and North Haledon were also effected.  

UPS: In August, Jersey City O.E.M. member Tim Lawrence was recognized by the Puerto Rican Heritage, Culture & Arts as the Honorary Puerto Rican Man of the Year. “This award means so much to me-not only as a celebration of my commitment to keeping the city safe during storms, emergencies and major events-but also as a reflection of the deep connection I feel to the community I serve,” Lawrence said.   

DOWNS: Due to a 63-mph wind gust in July, an old World War II air raid siren was knocked off of its perch atop a pole at Linden St. & Avenue A, Bayonne. The city DPW and FD worked to remove the hazard, according to an OEM Facebook post. 

UPS: Newly appointed firefighters in Bordentown are Albert Morrissey and Patrick McCloskey.  

DOWNS: On July 26^th, Moonachie firefighters responded to a mobile home fire. They arrived to find two mobile homes well involved. Due to the heat, a total of 3-alarms were transmitted bringing in numerous mutual aid companies to the scene.  

UPS: Perth Amboy is receiving $1 million in the fiscal 2026 state budget to acquire land for a new Fire Station 2. According to My Central Jersey, the funding comes in addition to $500,000 the city received in the previous state budget.  The new firehouse, in the eastern section of the city, will be staffed 24/7 with 8 firefighters assigned to Engine Co. 2 and Truck Co. 2. It will also be the base for the firefighters who staff the city's fire boat, according to Chief of Department Edward Muller. 

DOWNS: Multiple cars burned at a Route 46 auto dealership in Little Ferry, Aug. 15^th. Flames extended to a structure, but that fire was quickly knocked down.  

UPS: Atlantic City is receiving $1.5 million from a grant funding project to received “a much-needed face lift to complement an ongoing exterior restoration,” for Fire House # 2, according to The Press of Atlantic City.” Of the $1.5 million, $750,000 is coming from the New Jersey Historic Trust, while the other half was provided by the National Park Service's African American Civil Rights grant. The firehouse, at Indiana and Baltic av.'s was open in the horse-drawn days.   

DOWNS: A fiery crash involving four vehicles shut down part of the NJ Turnpike in East Rutherford for hours, Aug. 19th.  It occurred on the northbound side of the western spur near milepost 112, according to State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan. The crash involved  a tractor-trailer, two autos and an ice cream truck. The tractor-trailer and ice cream truck caught fire. No injuries were reported.  

UPS: A new firehouse opened in Somerville on March 1st. This building consolidated four firehouses and put all fire companies under one roof, along with EMS units. The Somerville Emergency Services Facility is located at N. Gaston av. & E. Cliff St.