
photos courtesy of New Milford Volunteer Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NEW MILFORD, NJ – In the early hours of Thursday, July 17, 2025, the New Milford Volunteer Fire Department Hazmat Team was dispatched to Closter after reports of an unusual substance spilled across several streets.
Just before 2:30 AM, Squad 36 and Chief 302 responded to assist Closter Fire Department with what initially appeared to be a potential hazardous materials situation.
Yellowish Semi-Liquid Found Across Multiple Streets
Upon arrival, Hazmat technicians discovered a yellowish semi-liquid substance stretching for several blocks along Piermont Road and adjoining streets.
It appeared that multiple plastic bags containing the substance fell off a truck, were dragged along the roadway, and ruptured, leaving a trail.
Hazmat Testing Confirms Non-Hazardous Material
The New Milford Hazmat Team, working alongside Bergen County Hazmat, conducted:
✅ Chemical tests
✅ Air quality monitoring
✅ Substance analysis
The material was ultimately determined to be organic and non-hazardous, posing no threat to public health or the environment.
The scene was then turned over to Bergen County officials for cleanup, and New Milford units were released after approximately two hours on site.
Back-to-Back Calls for New Milford Firefighters
After returning to quarters, the department quickly swapped apparatus for another call. At 4:30 AM, they were dispatched to an activated fire alarm on The Boulevard.
Chief 302 and Engine 34 responded and determined the alarm was triggered by a faulty smoke detector, clearing the scene without incident.
Volunteer Firefighters on Duty Around the Clock
This incident highlights the dedication of local volunteer firefighters, who remain ready 24/7 to respond to emergencies ranging from hazardous materials investigations to routine fire alarms.
A bag?
OK, I would have thought that somebody had too much to drink………………..