Dramatic 3-Alarm Fire in Norwood: Homeowner Injured as Multiple Agencies Battle Garage Blaze
photos courtesy of the Haworth Volunteer Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Norwood NJ, A quiet evening in Norwood, New Jersey, turned into a scene of chaos on May 12, 2026, as a massive three-alarm fire tore through a residence at 17th Street. The blaze, which drew fire companies from across the border and multiple neighboring towns, left a homeowner injured and two firefighters requiring medical evaluation.
The Scene: “Heavy Fire from the Garage”
First responders arrived at the 17th Street location to find a terrifying sight: heavy fire was pouring out of the garage and had already climbed to the upper floors of the home. Due to the intensity of the flames and the speed at which the fire was spreading, command quickly struck a third alarm, bringing in a massive mutual aid response.
Key Units on Scene Included:
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Haworth Volunteer Fire Department: Truck 26, Car 2, and Battalion 2.
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Norwood Fire Department: Leading the primary attack.
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Rockland County (NY) Units: Several companies crossed state lines to provide critical support.
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Battalion 7: On scene for strategic coordination.
Injuries and Emergency Response
The homeowner was inside the residence when the fire broke out. According to officials, the individual sustained burns to both hands and arms while attempting to escape the smoke and heat.
The danger wasn’t limited to the residents; two firefighters were also evaluated by EMS on the scene for unspecified conditions. Battalions remained on the scene for several hours, with crews working late into the night to extinguish “hot spots” and ensure the structure didn’t reignite.
A Massive Display of Mutual Aid
The Norwood Fire Department issued a formal statement following the incident, expressing deep gratitude for the swift response of their partners. The effort was a true collaborative operation involving:
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Mutual Aid Fire Departments from throughout Bergen and Rockland Counties.
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EMS and Police Departments (PD) for scene safety and medical transport.
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Canteen Services to provide hydration and relief for the exhausted crews.
“New Jersey and New York firefighters working together is what saved this neighborhood from further damage,” noted local observers.
FAQ: The Norwood 3-Alarm Fire
Where did the Norwood fire happen? The fire occurred at a residence near 17th Street in Norwood, New Jersey, on May 12, 2026.
Were there any injuries in the Norwood fire? Yes. The homeowner sustained burns to their hands and arms. Additionally, two firefighters were evaluated by EMS on the scene.
Which fire departments responded to the 3-alarm call? The Norwood Fire Department was assisted by the Haworth Volunteer Fire Department (Truck 26, Car 2, Battalion 2), Battalion 7, and several companies from Rockland County, New York.
What caused the fire? While the exact cause is still under investigation, the fire originated in the garage before spreading to the second floor of the home
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