The Hillside Fire Department considered a challenging year of service as 2025 came to an end and 2026 got underway. Department units responded to 5,187 occurrences in Hillside and surrounding areas in 2025, including medical emergencies, fires, and mutual-aid situations. A multi-alarm fire on Maple Avenue that affected multiple businesses was one of the department's most difficult events in over ten years. The event demonstrated the Hillside firefighters' professionalism, coordination, and training as well as the community's fortitude and support. Crews worked on local streets and important thoroughfares, including as Route 22, Route 78, and the Garden State Parkway, all year long, with the goal of safeguarding people and property.