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
One year ago today, the Fanwood community felt a profound loss with the passing of Officer Carlos Gonzalez Jr.
As we mark the first anniversary of Carlos’s passing, we pause to honor not just the badge he wore, but the man he was. We’ll continue to tell the funny stories, talk of how you brought our Department together in the midst of tragedy, and we’ll make sure that all future Fanwood police officers know your name.
Rest In Peace Fanwood Police Officer Carlos Gonzalez Jr., badge number #43.
Can you see the fire hydrant in the first photo? Neither could we!
When every second counts, a buried hydrant can delay firefighters from getting water on a fire.
Last night, our volunteer firefighters spent hours clearing snow from hydrants throughout town. But we can’t do it alone.
We’re asking residents to please help by clearing snow at least 3 feet around hydrants near your home. You might never need it, but if you do, those few minutes could make all the difference.
Please be a good neighbor and help keep hydrants accessible.
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for our area beginning tomorrow at 1pm through Monday 6pm.
The current forecast is for 12-18 inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 50 mph.
Please take note of the following:
-Conditions will make travel extremely difficult to impossible. Please stay off the roads.
-Avoid downed trees / branches as they could be entangled in power lines. If a power line is down always assume that it is energized and do not approach it.
-If you lose power and have a generator please ensure that it is operating outside and away from all doors and windows. Please ensure that you have a working carbon monoxide detector inside your home.
-If you have a fire hydrant in front of your home, please ensure that you clear the snow at least 3 feet in all directions.
-As always, in case of an emergency, dial 911
This morning at approximately 10:50am Fanwood Fire was dispatched to the train station for the report of a vehicle fire.
Upon arrival units confirmed a fully involved car fire. Engine 7 and Engine 8 responded. The fire was extinguished within minutes. Fortunately there were no reported injuries.
Tonight at 6:51pm, Engine-8 was dispatched to cover the city of Plainfield while they operated at a house fire. While at the cover assignment with other mutual aid, the house fire was upgraded to a 2nd alarm. Fanwood E-8 responded to scene and was assigned suppression operations. 
At around 2:30am this morning, Fanwood Fire Dept. E-8 was dispatched as mutual aid to a cover assignment into the city of Plainfield while the PFD operated at a house fire. While en route, the fire was upgraded to a 2nd alarm. E-8 was redirected to the scene and assigned suppression operations.
Photo credit: Joe Flammia
As we prepare for tomorrow's snow storm, Fanwood Fire Department would like to remind all residents of the following winter safety tips:
▪︎Heating & Power Safety
Use space heaters safely: Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
Never use outdoor heaters or grills indoors (charcoal, propane, generators)—they cause deadly carbon monoxide.
Have chimneys and fireplaces cleaned before winter; snow and ice can worsen blockages.
Use candles carefully or better yet, skip them and use battery-powered lights.
Install and test smoke alarms and CO detectors—especially with increased heater use.
▪︎Electrical Safety
Avoid overloaded outlets when running heaters, lights, or power strips.
Use extension cords rated for cold weather and only as temporary solutions.
Turn off heaters before going to bed or leaving the house.
▪︎Generator Safety
Operate generators outdoors only, and at least 20 feet from buildings.
Never run generators in garages, even with the door open.
Let generators cool before refueling to prevent fires.
▪︎Cooking Safety
Keep cooking areas clear—heavy winter clothing can catch fire easily.
Never leave cooking unattended, especially when power flickers.
Have a fire extinguisher accessible in the kitchen.
▪︎Snow & Ice Awareness
Clear snow from furnace, dryer, and generator vents to prevent CO buildup and overheating.
Remove snow from roofs when safe to reduce ice dams that can lead to electrical damage.
Keep fire hydrants clear so firefighters can access them quickly.
▪︎Emergency Preparedness
Create an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and a fire extinguisher.
Plan multiple exit routes in case snow blocks doors.
▪︎Community & Family Safety
Check on elderly neighbors who may rely on unsafe heating sources.
Teach kids heater and candle safety—snow days mean more indoor time.
ANY EMERGENCY CALL 911.
This afternoon Fanwood Fire was dispatched to N Glenwood Rd for the reported structure fire. Upon arrival units found an active deck fire in the rear of a residence.
Engine 7, Ladder 1, and Engine 8 responded to the scene. Units stretched an 1 3/4" attack line and the fire was extinguished within 15 minutes. There was no extension inside of the home and no reported injuries.
Last week three of Fanwood Fire Department's newest members graduated from the Union County Fire Academy. Doug Germinder, Cameron Hoover, and Tim Paprocki successfully completed the 4+ month training program and are now certified firefighters in the State of NJ.
Please join us in congratulating their accomplishment!
Yesterday Santa successfully made over 450 stops and delivered over 1,000 gifts to children across the boro! The Fanwood Fire Department would like to thank all of the volunteer firefighters and their family and friends, the Fanwood Police Department, Fanwood Rescue Squad, and the Union County Sheriff's Office who volunteered countless hours in order to make this year's Santa Parade a success.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year and we wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.