VOLUNTEERS DEDICATED TO PROTECTING THE BOROUGH SINCE 1890
The Fanwood Volunteer Fire Company was organized in 1890 and has provided fire protection services to the residents of Fanwood and neighboring communities for over 130 years.
Today the company is comprised of over 30 volunteers who respond out of the fire station in the rear of borough hall. Available apparatus includes three Chief vehicles, two fire engines, and one 75-foot ladder truck.
The Fire Company is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in joining the Fanwood Fire Department please click the JOIN US button!
LATEST NEWS & UPDATES
UPDATED NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH INVESTIGATION
Forest Road Park, Fanwood, NJ
November 6, 2025
At approximately 10:00 a.m. on November 4, 2025, Fanwood Police were dispatched to Forest Road Park for a reported motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers found that there were multiple victims and that a utility pole had also been struck and knocked down.
Union County EMS, paramedics, and the Fanwood Fire Department responded to the scene to provide emergency medical assistance. Multiple patients were transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Newark, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, and Overlook Hospital in Summit for treatment. Tragically, one victim, Ralph Benedict, succumbed to his injuries at University Hospital. Our deepest sympathies and support go out to the Benedict family during this incredibly difficult time.
The incident remains under investigation by the Fanwood Police Department with assistance from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Union County Police Department.
Santa will be returning to Fanwood on Saturday December 13th!
The gift collection window will be 12/01/2025 through 12/05/2025 between 5pm - 9pm each night.
IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, last year we had to reject several gifts during our collection because they did not comply with the gift size and/or packaging requirements. Please go to www.fanwoodfd.com/Santa to review the gift requirements as well as other frequently asked questions. Your cooperation with this helps ensure a smooth process and is very much appreciated by the volunteers who work to make this event possible.
We look forward to seeing all of you soon!
10/12/2025
Fanwood Fire responded to the intersection of La Grande / Terrill for the two car motor vehicle accident.
One patient was extricated by firefighters. Multiple patients were evaluated by EMS with injuries of varying severity.
On September 26, 2025, at 10:46 p.m., Fanwood Fire Department was dispatched to La Grande Avenue for a reported fire alarm activation accompanied by an odor of burning inside the structure.
FFD units arrived on scene within five minutes and found smoke showing from a two-story multifamily dwelling. The call was upgraded to a structure fire. Engine 7 and Ladder 1 responded to the scene.
Crews located and removed a small pile of burning debris from inside the structure. A single attack line was stretched to cool the affected area, and the fire was placed under control within minutes. Firefighters ventilated the fire apartment and adjacent apartments. No injuries were reported.
The Fanwood Fire Department would like to remind all residents of the importance of having working smoke detectors in their homes. In this incident, the fire alarms provided early warning to residents, allowing for a quick response and helping to minimize damage.
Sunday, September 21
1pm - 5pm
Southside Fanwood Train Station!
Yesterday, Fanwood Fire was granted permission to conduct training at 200 South Ave prior to the building’s scheduled demolition. This unique opportunity allowed our firefighters to complete a series of live simulation exercises, including fire attack line advancement, search and rescue, vertical ventilation, mayday and rapid intervention team (RIT) operations, wall breach and forcible entry scenarios, and truck operations.
These drills are invaluable in keeping our members sharp, prepared, and ready to serve the community.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Fabios Bistro for not only allowing us the use of the structure but also for their generosity in providing food for our members after training was complete.
REMINDER:
Fanwood Fire Department will be conducting training at 200 South Ave tonight between 6:30pm - 9:30pm.
Please exercise caution if driving/walking in the area.
Notice:
On Monday 8/25 between approximately 6:30pm and 9:30pm Fanwood Fire will be conducting training exercises at 200 South Ave (the site of the previous Shellan's Crossing).
Some of the exercises will involve the use of a smoke machine inside of the building which may be visible from the street.
During this time, there will be emergency personnel, fire apparatus, and equipment in operation. Road closures are not anticipated, but we ask that pedestrians and motorists to please use caution in the area.
Please be advised that on Saturday, August 9th, at approximately 7:30 PM, a training drill will be conducted at Forest Road Park in Fanwood.
The exercise will involve a helicopter medevac landing and drill, conducted by Fanwood First Responders in partnership with the New Jersey State Police and University Hospital.
Residents should anticipate a significant presence of emergency personnel and vehicles in the area. We want to assure the public that this is a planned training exercise and not a real emergency.
For the safety of the responders and the public, please do not interfere with operations. Thank you for your understanding.