Laureldale Fire Rescue

08/30/2026

Tonight, members of the Laureldale Volunteer Fire / Rescue Company are standing by at the Lunar Faire show at the Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds in Mays Landing.

We’re proud to provide standby coverage and help keep everyone safe while they enjoy tonight’s event! 🌙✨

If you’re attending, stop by and say hello to the crew! 👋🚒

Have a safe and enjoyable evening!

08/27/2026

08/13/2026

Laureldale Hosts Atlantic County Fire Chiefs Association Meeting 🚒

Laureldale Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company was proud to host the monthly meeting of the Atlantic County Fire Chiefs Association at our hall.

These meetings are held each month at a different fire department throughout Atlantic County, giving chiefs the opportunity to come together, share ideas, discuss important fire service issues, and continue working together to better serve our communities.

A huge shoutout to 50 Sixx Craft Kitchen and Cocktails for catering the meal following the meeting! They put together an incredible spread featuring flank steak with peppers and onions, smoked turkey, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. Needless to say, everyone loved the food! 👏🍽️

It’s always great to see our local businesses supporting the fire service and our community. We truly appreciate 50 Sixx for supporting Laureldale and the Atlantic County fire service.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success!

🚒 Neighbors helping neighbors — that’s what it’s all about!

08/09/2026

🔥🐻 Happy 82nd Birthday, Smokey Bear! 🐻🔥

Today we celebrate one of the most recognizable symbols of fire prevention in America — Smokey Bear!

Smokey’s story began during World War II, when the U.S. Forest Service created a campaign to educate the public about the dangers of wildfires and the importance of preventing them. In 1944, Smokey Bear was introduced as the face of that campaign with his famous message:

“Only YOU can prevent wildfires!”

Smokey quickly became a national icon, reminding generations that preventing wildfires starts with all of us. From being careful with campfires and outdoor burning to properly disposing of smoking materials, the small choices we make can help prevent a devastating fire.

As firefighters and rescuers, we know firsthand how quickly a fire can grow and how important prevention is. Smokey’s message remains just as important today as it was when he was first introduced.

🐻🔥 Happy 82nd Birthday, Smokey!

From all of us at Laureldale Fire/Rescue, thank you for 82 years of helping spread the message of fire prevention!

Remember — Only YOU can prevent wildfires! 🚒🔥🐻

08/06/2026

Laureldale Volunteer Fire / Rescue was proud to once again be invited to participate in the Township of Hamilton Police Department’s Junior Police Academy held at Oakcrest High School along with Mays Landing Fire Department and the Township Of Hamilton Rescue Squad.

Each year, the Junior Police Academy provides local youth with an opportunity to learn about public safety, leadership, teamwork, and the dedication it takes to serve their community. We are honored to work alongside our law enforcement partners to help make this program a success.

Being active with our community’s youth is incredibly important to us. Programs like this allow us to build positive relationships, teach fire safety, answer questions about the fire service, and inspire the next generation of first responders and community leaders. Whether a participant chooses a career in public safety or not, we hope they leave with a greater understanding of the teamwork, commitment, and service that keep our community safe.

A big thank you to the Township of Hamilton Police Department for the invitation and for continuing to invest in the future of our youth. We look forward to being part of this outstanding program again next year!

08/05/2026

🏒🚒 Come See Laureldale Fire / Rescue at the Liepe Street Hockey Courts! 🚒🏒

We’re excited to be part of the Philadelphia Flyers Community Caravan, a fun event that brings the Flyers organization directly into local communities to promote hockey, connect with fans, and support youth programs.

Stop by to:
🔥 Meet our firefighters and check out our apparatus.
🧡 Meet Gritty and snap a photo with everyone’s favorite mascot!
🏒 Support the Mays Landing Athletic Association (MLAA) Ball Hockey Program and learn more about the opportunities they provide for local youth.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Enjoy a great evening with the community!

Whether you’re a lifelong Flyers fan or just looking for a fun family outing, there’s something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you at the Liepe Street Hockey Courts!

08/04/2026

🚒 We’re at National Night Out! 🚑

Come on out and visit the members of Laureldale Fire Rescue at Lenape Park East tonight from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM!

Stop by our display to:
🔥 Check out our fire trucks and rescue apparatus
👨‍🚒 Meet and talk with our firefighters
💦 Let the kids (and kids at heart!) take a turn spraying the fire hose at our burning house prop
❓ Learn more about fire safety, emergency services, and what we do for our community every day

National Night Out is a great opportunity to strengthen the relationship between first responders and the community we proudly serve. We look forward to seeing everyone for an evening of fun, education, and community spirit!

Don’t forget to stick around for the fireworks show at 9:00 PM!

07/23/2026

Wednesday Night Training – Drafting Operations

This past Wednesday night, members of Laureldale Fire/Rescue trained on one of the most important skills in the fire service—drafting operations.

Drafting is the process of using a fire engine’s pump to draw water from a static water source, such as a pond, lake, portable water tank, or swimming pool, when a fire hydrant is not available or cannot provide enough water. In many parts of our community and neighboring towns, rural areas may not have access to a municipal water system, making drafting a critical firefighting skill.

During training, our members practiced establishing a draft by connecting hard suction hose to the engine, priming the pump to remove air from the system, and creating the vacuum needed to pull water into the apparatus. Once a reliable water supply was established, crews flowed water through attack lines to simulate fireground operations.

One of the key pieces of equipment we train with is the portable water pond carried on our tankers. These collapsible tanks are quickly deployed at the scene of a fire and are filled by water tankers shuttling water from a nearby hydrant or natural water source. As each tanker arrives, it dumps thousands of gallons of water into the portable pond. The engine then drafts from the pond, providing a continuous water supply while additional tankers rotate back and forth to refill. This operation, known as a water shuttle, allows firefighters to maintain a steady flow of water even in areas without hydrants.

Successful drafting operations require teamwork, communication, and precision. Firefighters must ensure all hose connections are airtight, properly operate the pump, monitor water levels, coordinate tanker movements, and maintain uninterrupted water flow to crews operating on the fireground.

Regular training on these operations ensures our members remain proficient and prepared to deliver the large volumes of water needed to protect lives and property, regardless of where an emergency occurs.

At Laureldale Fire/Rescue, we train today so we’re ready when our community needs us tomorrow.

07/18/2026

UPDATE: TORNADO WATCH HAS EXPIRED

🚨 TORNADO WATCH ISSUED 🚨

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a Tornado Watch for our area, including New Jersey, until 9:00 PM this evening.

⚠️ Hazards include:
🌪️ A few tornadoes possible
💨 Widespread damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph
🧊 Isolated large hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter
⛈️ Dangerous thunderstorms capable of producing rapidly changing weather conditions

A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop. It does NOT mean a tornado has been confirmed, but you should be prepared to act quickly if a warning is issued.

What You Should Do Now:

✅ Stay weather aware and monitor trusted weather sources.
✅ Make sure your cell phone has Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled.
✅ Secure or bring inside outdoor furniture, grills, umbrellas, and other loose items.
✅ Charge your cell phones and have flashlights available in case of power outages.
✅ Avoid unnecessary travel during severe storms.

If a Tornado Warning Is Issued or You See a Tornado:

🏠 Go immediately to the lowest level of a sturdy building, preferably a basement.
🚪 If there is no basement, move to a small interior room, hallway, or bathroom on the lowest floor.
🪟 Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.
🏢 If you are in a mobile home or manufactured home, leave immediately and seek shelter in a sturdy building.
🚗 If you are driving, do not try to outrun a tornado. If possible, seek shelter in a substantial building. Avoid taking shelter under highway overpasses.

Remember:
Watch = Be Prepared
Warning = Take Action

The officers and members of Laureldale Fire/Rescue will continue to monitor conditions and respond as needed. Please stay alert, have a plan, and keep your family safe this afternoon and evening.

📞 Call 911 for emergencies only.