Second Suspicious Fire Within a Week
April 11, 2008 - Companies 5-3-6 responded to a structure fire in a unoccupied summer home at 343 Lakeshore Drive around 4 AM. It is the fourth suspicious fire within a 2 mile radius since October. A 91 year old neighbor reported the fire. Assistant Chief Stan Frey Jr. was the first fire unit on scene and discovered the single story, lake front house heavily involved. Company 5 Chief Jim Gage arrived on the scene next and assumed command of the scene and assigned operations to Assistant Chief Frey, who was assisted by Deputy Chief Jason Casbarro. Engine 5 followed by Tanker 5 and Rescue 5 all responded. The Engine 5 crew led by Lt. John Lynch and Tanker 5 crew led by Capt. Jim Lynch made the initial knock down. The fire was brought completely under control in less then an hour. Highland Lakes covered Company 5's firehouse. Company 5 Chief Jim Gage was incident commander. No injuries were reported. The UGLVAC provided rehab and medical support. The homeowner, whose family has owned the home for 50 years, lives in New York City and was not in the area at the time of the blaze. The Passaic County Arson Squad and a K-9 unit from Bergen County were called to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Anyone with information about any of the area's recent fire is encouraged to call the West Milford Police at 973-728-2802.

Fire Scene Photos - coming soon

House Fire on Upper Greenwood Road
April 6, 2008 - Companies 5-3-6 responded to a structure fire in a unoccupied summer home at 161 Upper Greenwood Road at about 5:15 AM. Several neighbors reported the fire. Assistant Chief Stan Frey Jr. was the first fire unit on scene and discovered the 1-½ story house heavily involved. Company 5 Chief Jim Gage arrived on the scene next and assumed command of the scene and assigned operations to Assistant Chief Frey. Engine 5 followed by Tanker 5 and Rescue 5 all responded. The Engine 5 crew led by Captain Jim Lynch and Lt. John Lynch had an initial knock down and the bulk of the fire extinguished within 10 minutes. The fire was brought completely under control in less then 30 minutes. Tanker 5 and Companies 3 and 6 provided additional manpower for overhaul. Engine 6-1 established a draft station at nearby Upper Greenwood Lake and a water shuttle utilizing tanker 3 and tanker 4 supplied the on-scene units with water. Highland Lakes covered Company 5's firehouse. Company 5 Chief Jim Gage was incident commander. No injuries were reported. The UGLVAC provided rehab and medical support. The homeowner lives and hour away and was not in the area at the time of the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.


Fire Scene Photos - coming soon

West Milford Firefighter Dies in the Line of Duty
March 9, 2008— West Milford firefighter Raymond Barrett, 62, died after collapsing while battling a house fire. Firefighter Barrett was manning a hose when he was stricken. He was carried out of the house by fellow firefighters. He had been a member of the Apshawa Fire Company for 31 years. Barrett was a past chief of the Apshawa Fire Company and a decorated Vietnam veteran. His son Wayne is also an active member of the Apshawa Fire Company. Barrett leaves his wife Elaine and two sons, Tim and Wayne. The fire which started in the kitchen at 34 Navajo Trail was called in at 2:49 PM. Community and Macopin Fire Companies also responded to the fire. The Upper Greenwood Lake Fire Company sends our condolences to the family of Firefighter Barrett and our brothers and sisters at Company 1 for their terrible loss.

Suspicious Fire on Lakeshore Drive
February 26, 2008— Companies 5-3-6 responded to a structure fire in a vacant house at 424 Lakeshore Drive at 7:11AM. The house, across the street from the Upper Greenwood Lake beach, has been vacant for over a year. Company 4 and Highland Lakes sent takers to the scene to supply water and Ringwood and Highland Lakes covered the empty firehouses. The fire is under investigation and has been deemed suspicious. No injuries were reported. Company 5 Assistant Chief Stan Frey, Jr. was incident commander.

Fire Scene - Series 1
Fire Scene - Series 2 - coming soon
Fire Scene - After the fire is out
Video - coming soon

Company 5 Holds Annual Installation Dinner at the UGL Clubhouse
January 19, 2008— Ex-Chief Pete McGuinness MC'd his third and final installation dinner at the Upper Greenwood Lake Club House. McGuinness was awarded an Ex-Chief's ring and the white helmet he has worn for the last eight years was retired and presented to him. Other highlights of the event included Ed Ollearo, Jr. (left with Ex-Chief McGuinness) 30 years of service recognition and the presentation of the Firefighter I service bar to Michael Bartilucci, Dina D'Argenio and Joseph Ponzo. Mayor Bettina Bieri, Councilmen Robert Nolan and Joseph Smolinski and representatives of West Milford Fire Companies 1,3,4 and 6, the UGL Volunteer Ambulance Corp., the Highland Lakes Fire Department, the Warwick, NY Fire Department and the River Edge, NJ Fire Department we in attendance.

2007 Installation Dinner Photos
2006 Installation Dinner Photos

Santa visits Upper Greenwood Lake on Engine 5
December 14, 2007— Santa Claus made his annual stop at the UGL Fire Company to get a ride on Engine 5. Santa's annual trip around the lake was a great success and was enjoyed by all. Santa stopped to greet children of all ages at several locations in the district and Company 5's Engine and Tanker escorted him down as many streets as time would allow. If you missed Santa's visit and would like him to come down your street next year, be sure to call the firehouse next holiday season and make a request. Additional pictures coming soon.

2005 Santa Run Photos

Company 5 Makes Annual Visit to the Orange County Smoke House
October 2007 — Twelve members of the UGLVFC made their annual trip to the smoke house at the Orange County Fire Training Center Training in New Hampton, NY. Thanks to the UGL Volunteer Ambulance Corp. also attended to support Company 5.

Other training photos:
2006 OC Smoke House Photos
2006 Extrication Training Photos
2008 Ice Rescue Training Photos