A powerful storm sparked a major emergency response in River Edge, New Jersey, on July 4, 2026, after a large tree fell onto utility lines, bringing energized wires down and igniting fires at three homes.

River Edge Volunteer Fire Department was initially dispatched for a report of arcing wires in the area. While responding, firefighters discovered a home near Fifth Avenue and Wales Avenue heavily involved in fire after the storm-damaged tree brought down power lines and a utility pole. Electrical problems associated with the downed lines also sparked basement fires in two neighboring homes.

Firefighters faced dangerous conditions from the start. Energized wires remained on the primary residence and were burning and arcing in the street, preventing crews from safely accessing portions of the fire. Firefighters were forced to limit suppression operations until utility crews could secure the electrical power. Crews were also challenged by low water pressure in the area.

As conditions worsened and additional resources were needed, the response was escalated and mutual-aid companies were requested. Firefighters from Oradell, New Milford, Hackensack, Paramus and Teaneck assisted River Edge crews. The response was particularly challenging because many of those departments were simultaneously handling other calls caused by the severe storm. River Edge police also assisted at the incident.

Despite the electrical hazards, firefighters were able to extinguish the basement fires in the two neighboring homes before they could spread further. The primary residence, however, was destroyed. The family escaped safely but lost their home, vehicles and belongings in the fire.

Firefighters continued working into the early morning hours, with the main fire reported under control at approximately 2 a.m. on July 5. Downed utility lines, damaged trees, burned vehicles and other debris remained around the property afterward, forcing roads in the area to remain closed.

At least one firefighter suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for evaluation. News 12 subsequently reported that two firefighters were taken to the hospital with minor injuries and later released, so there is a discrepancy between the initial department account and later reporting regarding the total number of injured firefighters.

The fire occurred as severe weather caused widespread problems across Bergen County, including fallen trees, downed electrical lines and power outages. The River Edge response became a significant regional mutual-aid operation as firefighters worked through the storm-related hazards to contain the fires and protect surrounding homes. 

(1RN News Desk Helped Attribute to This Story)