Emergency crews were dispatched to Trotta Drive, near the entrance to the New Milford Swim Club, following reports of an arcing wire
photos courtesy of the New Milford Volunteer Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Milford NJ, A quick response from the New Milford Volunteer Fire Department prevented a dangerous situation from escalating early Wednesday evening after a primary power line snapped and ignited a fire near a popular community landmark.
Around 5:45 p.m. on May 6, 2026, emergency crews were dispatched to Trotta Drive, specifically near the entrance to the New Milford Swim Club, following reports of an arcing wire.
Immediate Command and Rapid Response
In a display of the “always-on” nature of New Milford’s volunteers, Chief 302 was already in the immediate vicinity attending his daughter’s baseball game when the call went out. He arrived on the scene within seconds to establish command.
Upon arrival, the Chief confirmed that a primary high-voltage wire had come down in the wooded area and was actively burning through the dry brush. Recognizing the potential for a fast-moving brush fire so close to residential areas and the swim club, PSE&G (Public Service) was requested on an emergency “rush” basis.
Containment and Extinguishment
As the fire department’s heavy hitters—Chief 301, Truck 31, and Engines 34 and 32—arrived on the scene, crews stood by for safety while the live wire continued to arc.
Once the PSE&G team arrived and successfully de-energized the affected line, New Milford firefighters moved in:
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Suppression: Crews stretched a handline into the woods to knock down the active flames.
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Overhaul: Firefighters spent a significant amount of time soaking the surrounding hot spots to ensure the fire didn’t spread through the underground root system.
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Safety Check: Members remained on the scene for about an hour until the area was deemed safe.
Community Reminder: Safety Near Downed Wires
The New Milford Fire Department reminds residents that if you see a downed power line:
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Stay at least 30 feet away.
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Assume the wire is live and extremely dangerous, even if it isn’t sparking or making noise.
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Call 911 immediately.
Thanks to the swift transition from a local ballgame to an active fire scene, what could have been a major wooded fire was contained to a small area with no injuries reported.
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