Paramus Fire Department

07/26/2026

07/21/2026

07/17/2026

07/16/2026

🚒 Garbage Truck Fire Extinguished on University Way 🚒
This morning at approximately 6:50 a.m., crews from Engine 2, Engine 3, and Engine 4 responded to University Way in Paramus for a reported garbage truck fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that the contents of the garbage truck were on fire and had been dumped onto the roadway. Crews quickly went to work and safely extinguished the fire, preventing further extension and ensuring the area was safe.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined; however, this incident serves as an important reminder that lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in regular household garbage. These batteries can become damaged during collection and processing, creating a significant fire hazard. Additionally, pool chlorine tablets must be disposed of properly, as they can react with other materials and also cause fires.
⚠️ Lithium-ion batteries and chlorine tablets are among the leading causes of garbage truck and waste facility fires.
Please help keep sanitation workers, first responders, and our community safe by following proper disposal guidelines.
Interested in Serving Your Community?
We're always looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a difference. If you're interested in a rewarding and challenging opportunity in the fire service, consider joining our team.
✅ Serve your community
✅ Build valuable skills
✅ Be part of a proud tradition
For information on recruitment opportunities, contact us or visit our website.

07/15/2026

🚒📬 Keep an Eye on Your Mailbox, Paramus! 📬🚒

Our annual Paramus Fire Department mailer and fundraiser was sent out last week and should be arriving in mailboxes throughout the community any day now.
As always, your support helps us continue providing the highest level of fire protection, fire prevention, public education, and emergency services to our residents and businesses. When you receive the mailer, we hope you'll take a moment to review it and consider making a donation to support the department.

💻 Want to donate online? We've made it easier than ever! Visit our newly launched website at www.paramusfire.org and click the Donate button to make a secure contribution via PayPal.

Every donation—big or small—helps make a difference.
Thank you for your continued support of the Paramus Fire Department and the men and women who proudly serve our community. ❤️🚒

07/15/2026

🚒💨💨 For those wondering about the source of the smoke, we sent our members out looking for it and they have officially determined that it's coming from Canada.

🚨 AIR QUALITY ADVISORY – WILDFIRE SMOKE IMPACTING PARAMUS 🚨

Residents may notice hazy skies and an unusual smell of smoke today as wildfire smoke from Canada moves into the area, affecting air quality across northern New Jersey. The National Weather Service has also issued an Air Quality Alert.

We suggest that children, older adults, and individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity until the smoke clears.

We encourage residents to:
• Limit extended outdoor activities if you are sensitive to air pollution.
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible.
• Use air conditioning if available.
• Stay hydrated, not because of the smoke, but because of today's hot weather. ☀️🥤

⚠️ A Friendly Tip from Your Firefighters ⚠️

While the smell of smoke is not typically present in Paramus, today's odor is largely attributable to wildfire smoke affecting the Northeast. 💨💨
If you detect a general outdoor odor of smoke without visible fire, flames, or an immediate hazard, please use discretion before calling 911 to report the smell of smoke. HOWEVER, if you observe smoke coming from a structure, vehicle, wooded area, or believe there is an active emergency, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately.

🚒 One final thought: If you're tired of breathing the smoke, you should consider joining the Paramus Fire Department. We'll provide you with an SCBA so you don't have to! Applications won't make the smoke go away, but at least you'll look professional while avoiding it.

07/11/2026

🚨Long Post Alert🚨

As we reach the one-week mark following the storm, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible teamwork and dedication that helped our community through a challenging time.

The response and recovery effort was truly a unified operation. Members of the Fire Department, Paramus Police Department, Paramus Ambulance Corps, Paramus Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Paramus CERT, MERK, Shade Tree, and the Paramus DPW all played critical roles in keeping the initial response and cleanup efforts organized, efficient, and focused on serving our residents.

We would also like to thank Christina Anthony, a Paramus resident who took to social media to raise funds to purchase snacks and stock the firehouses for our responders. After speaking with Christina about the tremendous attention her fundraiser received, and recognizing that our firehouses are 100% volunteer, we had concerns about the amount of food that would be provided. Together, we came up with an alternative plan that better reflects the collective effort that took place throughout the storm and recovery.

While many residents immediately think of firefighters, police officers, and EMS personnel when emergencies occur, and we greatly appreciate the support shown to those frontline responders, the recovery effort extended far beyond the initial emergency responders.

Ed Hill with MERK worked tirelessly to provide food and refreshments to responders, ensuring crews remained fueled during long operational periods. Paramus CERT members stepped up to establish community cooling stations, helping residents stay safe and comfortable during power outages and extreme conditions. Paramus Office of Emergency Management personnel remained staffed and available for days after the storm, coordinating resources and supporting crews in the field as recovery operations continued.

Our Paramus DPW and Shade Tree crews put in long days for an entire week, making tremendous progress in clearing roads, removing debris, and restoring normal operations. While there is still work to be done before Paramus returns to pre-storm conditions, their efforts have been nothing short of outstanding.

It is also important to recognize the personal sacrifices made by so many of those involved. Numerous employees and volunteers either returned home early from planned vacations or canceled upcoming vacations altogether so they could assist with the response and recovery efforts. Additionally, a number of our responders live in neighborhoods that were directly impacted by the storm. Despite facing storm-related challenges at their own homes and with their own families, they set those responsibilities aside to answer the call and help their community when it needed them most. Their selflessness and commitment embody the spirit of public service.

Because this response was truly a team effort, reflecting the cooperation and professionalism of multiple departments and organizations working side by side, we have decided to use a portion of the funds raised to host an appreciation BBQ and day of fun for all the storm responders and their families.

Inspired by the response? Consider joining us. One of the greatest takeaways from this storm was seeing ordinary people do extraordinary things for their community. The Fire Department, OEM, CERT, MERK, and many of our partner organizations rely on dedicated volunteers who are willing to answer the call when their neighbors need help most. This storm demonstrated just how important that commitment is. If you've ever thought about serving your community, now is the time. We are always looking for community-minded individuals who want to make a difference. Whether it's responding to emergencies, supporting operations behind the scenes, or assisting during community events and disasters, there is a place for you. Reach out to learn more about volunteer opportunities and become part of the team that helps keep Paramus strong.

To every resident who contributed, shared information, checked on neighbors, or offered support, THANK YOU! Your generosity and encouragement meant a great deal to those working around the clock to help our community recover.

The storm tested our town, but it also showcased the very best of Paramus: neighbors helping neighbors, departments working together, and a community united when it mattered most.

Thank you to everyone who played a role in the response and recovery effort. Together, we are Paramus Strong.