RIVERDALE, NJ — August 17, 2026 — On Monday nite, Riverdale firemen gave members a chance to familiarize themselves with the most recent renovations made to the school by conducting a pre-incident walkthrough.

Fire Official J. Titus and members of the Riverdale Fire Department visited the school and examined both the new extension and the modifications made to the building's original section.

Pre-incident preparation is a crucial component of firefighters' emergency preparedness in schools and other populated facilities. Before an emergency arises, workers can better grasp conditions by learning about building layouts, extensions, access points, and structural modifications.

The walkthrough also gives firefighters an opportunity to identify potential access and operational considerations that could affect hose deployment, search operations, ventilation or apparatus positioning during a fire or other emergency.

New Jersey's Division of Fire Safety has specific requirements involving fire protection systems in school buildings, including inspections of installed fire suppression systems. State guidance also notes that local fire officials and construction officials play an important role in addressing fire-safety conditions in schools. (nj.gov)

Riverdale Fire Department serves the borough of Riverdale in Morris County, covering nearly three square miles and approximately 5,000 residents, along with thousands of people who work or travel through the community each day. Its primary response area includes portions of Interstate 287 and Route 23 as well as commercial and residential areas. (riverdalefd.net)

The department operates as a volunteer organization and maintains an engine, squad, ladder, foam tender, antique engine and boat. (riverdalefd.net)