Today (Sept. 11th), at roughly 3:30 in the afternoon, MFD Co’s 1, 2 & 4 were dispatched to Interstate 287 northbound (@ MM64) for the reported rolled over truck on fire and possible entrapment.
Mahwah PD units arrived on scene and reported no fire but that the driver was still in the cab of the dump truck. They immediately began patient care as fire units started arriving.
With Squad 2 providing protection with a handline, the firefighters from Rescue 1 and Engine 117 went to work stabilizing the dump truck and extricating the driver.
After approximately 30 minutes of work, the driver was freed from the wreckage and turned over to Mahwah EMS.
There’s an old saying “when it rains, it pours” and that couldn’t have been more literal for this accident.
While firefighters worked to free the driver, nearly 3″ of rain fell on them in a veritable deluge from the severe thunderstorm overhead. Not only did this significantly hamper rescue efforts through mud and rushing water, but the sheer volume and intensity of rain made even simple voice communications difficult.
Thankfully, Mahwah firefighters have been in this exact scenario before, in nearly that exact spot on I-287.
Hats off to all the responders that assisted today. While it seems like the Rescue company is the “star” of the show for entrapments, it really takes a huge team to pull it off.
And a majority of that team comes from the other MFD units and agencies that respond with us.
Well done by all.
Here are a few other recent extrications…

MVA Rollover
This morning at approximately 4:30am Company 1 was added to an assignment on Route 17 North for an MVA rollover with a vehicle on fire. Upon arrival, it was determined that all occupants were out of the vehicles and were tended to by Mahwah EMS. Rescue Engine 117 and Engine 115 responded and operated for about 1 hour securing the vehicles and mitigating the fluid spill.
New Hurst Extrication Tools
Last week, Rescue Company 1 took delivery of our new Hurst extrication tools, also known as the Jaws of Life. After researching and developing a list of tools needed, these tools along with many others were purchased in conjunction with our new Heavy Rescue Truck, which will be delivered later this year. Company 1 would like to thank the Township Council for realizing the importance and granting the funds to make this purchase, which will provide us with the best equipment available to serve our residents. Stay tuned for future posts as more of the equipment gets delivered!
2024 calls for service
As 2025 begins, we would like to recognize the dedication and commitment shown by the volunteer firefighters of Company 1 throughout 2024. Our members responded to 436 calls for service both within Mahwah Township and surrounding communities. These emergencies ranged from technical rescue operations including vehicle extrications and dive team deployments to structure fires, vehicle fires, and numerous mutual aid requests to our neighboring departments. Beyond emergency response, Co.1 firefighters demonstrated their commitment to excellence by completing advanced training. Many members sacrificed their weekends to obtain advanced certifications including Firefighter 2, Rescue Technician, Confined Space Technician, and Man vs. Machine specializations. The dedication shown by our members, who balance their service with family and work commitments, continues to be the cornerstone of Company 1’s success in protecting our community. We look forward to serving Mahwah Township and our mutual aid partners throughout 2025. If you would like to join our […]

Multi-vehicle MVA
Yesterday afternoon, Rescue 1, Rescue Engine 117, along with Fire Company 2 were dispatched to Route 17 for an MVA with entrapment involving multiple vehicles. While units were responding, dispatch advised that the trapped occupant had self-extricated. Upon arrival, Company 1 crews confirmed all patients were out of their vehicles before returning to quarters.

287 Car Fire
Early Saturday morning Rescue Company 1 along with Fire Companies 2, 4, and EMS were dispatched to Route 287 South for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment and fire. While enroute, units were advised that all occupants were out of the vehicle. Upon arrival, Rescue 1’s crew assisted Co.2 with the initial handline and also stretched a backup line. Engine 117 supplied additional water and manpower. Units operated for about 2 hours before returning to quarters.

287 Entrapment
This afternoon, Rescue 1, Rescue Engine 117, along with Fire Companies 2, 4, EMS, and PD responded to 287 South for an MVA with entrapment. Upon arrival Rescue 1’s crew using the jaws of life swiftly removed the passenger door extricating the patient and turned them over to EMS. All units returned to quarters within an hour.
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