Garwood, N.J. — November 29 — In response to a third-alarm structure fire in the Borough of Garwood, a ladder company from the Town of Westfield, NJ Fire Department provided mutual aid. While Garwood and surrounding departments worked at the prolonged incident, the Westfield ladder was sent to support continuing operations. Under the supervision of incident command, the ladder company was given truck company responsibilities upon arrival. Ladder companies are essential to the suppression of multi-alarm fires because they provide ventilation, access, and search capabilities. Third-alarm crises necessitate substantial manpower and coordination, frequently requiring long-term local resource commitments. While departments handle major emergencies, mutual aid efforts like this help maintain operational support and fire protection throughout the region.