photo courtesy of the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, on Sunday, September 7, 2025, Ridgewood’s A Platoon firefighters rushed to the scene of a utility wire fire near the intersection of Linwood Ave and Collingwood Place. The blaze, reported in the early afternoon, posed a serious risk to the residential area, leading to immediate road closures and detours. The Ridgewood Fire Department secured the site, awaiting PSE&G’s Electric Division to cut power and make repairs, with potential temporary outages in the vicinity.
This incident underscores the hidden dangers of utility wires, especially in suburban hubs like Ridgewood, where aging infrastructure can spark emergencies. The quick response highlights the department’s readiness, but the event serves as a stark reminder of electrical hazards.
Critical Safety Warning: Avoid Wires at All Costs
The Ridgewood Fire Department issued a urgent warning: never approach or touch utility wires, even if they appear “dead.” “Wires can kill,” they stated, emphasizing that even seemingly inactive lines may carry deadly current. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid wires entirely and call 911 immediately if they spot a hazard. This advice is critical as NJ faces increasing electrical incidents, with similar fires reported in Glen Rock earlier this year.
Safety Tips:
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Stay Back: Keep a safe distance from downed or sparking wires.
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Call 911: Report any wire-related hazards to emergency services.
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Avoid DIY Fixes: Leave repairs to professionals like PSE&G.
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Stay Informed: Sign up for alerts at ridgewoodnj.net or follow Ridgewood FD on social media.
Why It Matters: Ridgewood’s Infrastructure Wake-Up Call
This fire is a red flag for Ridgewood and Bergen County, where aging utility infrastructure poses ongoing risks. With temporary outages and detours disrupting daily life, the incident highlights the need for modernized electrical systems. The Ridgewood Fire Department’s swift action prevented injuries, but the event echoes broader concerns. On September 1st a squirrel was blamed for a utility pole fire in Oakland that left large portions of the borough without power and forced temporary road closures on Saturday, according to the Borough of Oakland Police Department.
The community’s reliance on PSE&G and local firefighters underscores the importance of coordinated emergency responses. Residents can support safer streets by reporting hazards promptly and advocating for infrastructure upgrades.
How to Stay Safe and Informed in 2025
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Report Hazards: Call 911 for downed wires or electrical fires.
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Contact PSE&G: Report outages at 1-800-436-7734, not the police.
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Follow Updates: Check ridgewoodnj.net or northjersey.com for incident updates.
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Join Alerts: Enroll in Ridgewood’s Reverse 911 system for real-time emergency notifications.
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Share the Warning: Use hashtags like #RidgewoodFire and #NJSafety to spread awareness.
The Linwood Ave fire is a wake-up call for Ridgewood. Stay vigilant and keep safety first!
Source: Adapted from Ridgewood Fire Department announcements and NorthJersey.com reports.
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