04/13/2026
On Sunday, 4/12 at 1pm Sparta Fire responded to multiple calls reporting a large brush fire on the wooded hillside between Fairway Trail and Golfview Terrace. Engines 5, 7 and 6 responded and encountered extremely difficult, steep terrain. Multiple mutual aid units from Ogdensburg Fire Department, Andover Township Volunteer Fire Department and Jefferson Township Fire Company #2 operated jointly from the Golfview Ter and Alpine Trail area, protecting homes and fighting the fire from the topside. Sparta crews, assisted by Byram Twp Fire Department, engaged in fire suppression and containment from Fairway Trail. New Jersey Forest Fire Service established a unified command post with Sparta FD and deployed multiple crews.
Sparta Police NJ assisted with crowd and traffic control and deployed their drone to assist in monitoring progress. Sparta Ambulance Squad, assisted by Atlantic Mobile Health and the Sparta FD Ladies Auxiliary provided standby and rehabilitation. Two firefighters were treated for symptoms related to over-exertion with one treated on scene and one transported to Newton Hospital and released shortly after.
Ultimately, the fire was contained to an area covering several acres of steep, wooded hillside and no homes or property were damaged. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Sparta Engine 7 returned to the scene and remained overnight with New Jersey Forest Fire units on fire watch duty.
We extend our sincere thanks to all those who provided assistance, the residents who offered water and opened their homes to the crews, and lastly a special thanks to Jersey Mike's Subs for their generous donation.
