SPRINGFIELD, NJ — August 21, 2026 — On Friday, when local crews were committed elsewhere, the Westfield Fire Department supplied a cover assignment by stationing its Ladder 1 at Springfield Fire Headquarters.

When a municipality's own units are unavailable due to an ongoing event, the assignment was part of the regional practice of relocating nearby fire departments to another municipality.

While Springfield staff and equipment were busy, Westfield's Ladder 1 remained at the Springfield headquarters to respond to calls if necessary, assisting in maintaining fire protection coverage.