photo courtesy of West Milford Fire Marshal’s Office
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WEST MILFORD, NJ — Four firefighters were injured Saturday, August 16, while responding to two separate multiple-alarm house fires in West Milford — including one blaze that reignited just as a second major fire broke out miles away.
According to the West Milford Fire Marshal’s Office, both fires — one on Bayhead Road in the Upper Greenwood Lake section and another on Otterhole Road — are under investigation but currently believed to be accidental. Both homes were left uninhabitable, though residents escaped safely and secured temporary shelter.
Blaze on Bayhead Road Reignites
The first fire erupted overnight at 11 Bayhead Road, where crews worked for hours to extinguish the flames. Tragically, the fire reignited later in the day, leading to another emergency response. During the operation, a firefighter from another jurisdiction suffered injuries and was transported to a hospital, later released.
One West Milford firefighter also required treatment at the scene for heat exposure.
Second Fire Breaks Out on Otterhole Road
As crews battled the rekindled Bayhead blaze, a second three-alarm fire broke out more than 10 miles away at 452 Otterhole Road. Two additional firefighters were injured there and taken to the hospital for treatment.
As of 9:58 a.m., officials urged residents to avoid Otterhole Road between Schofield Road and Sanders Court while crews continued operations.
Community Praise for First Responders
Despite the back-to-back emergencies, the West Milford First Aid Squad praised the endurance and teamwork of local firefighters and EMS crews.
In a statement, they wrote:
“This morning was anything but quiet for our dedicated members. Just as they caught their breath from the first blaze, tones dropped for a second fire. Despite multiple emergencies and medical calls, every incident was handled without delay. We are incredibly proud of the stamina, professionalism, and service shown today.”
Firefighters Expected to Recover
Richard Poplaski Jr., public information officer for the volunteer Fire Department and chief of Macopin Fire Co. 4, confirmed that all four injured firefighters are expected to make full recoveries.
The causes of both fires remain under investigation.
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