The Denville Fire Department battled two house fires on back to back days last week, rescuing six cats and coming away with two firefighters hurt.
The first fire broke out around 8:10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Crews arrived to find smoke showing from a home and called a second alarm for more help. Firefighters launched an interior attack, searched the house, and ventilated the structure, and the fire was declared under control at 9:16 p.m. Crews stayed on scene running overhaul and chasing hot spots until just after midnight.
Less than 24 hours later, at about 5:40 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, firefighters were called to a second home fire. A second alarm was transmitted right away. Crews stretched handlines and worked the blaze, including a propane tank in the backyard. During the fire, firefighters rescued six cats from the house, and Morris County EMS treated the animals before they were taken for further care.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital, where both were treated and released.
The two calls came days after the department honored six members for decades of service, and weeks after an overnight fire heavily damaged businesses in downtown Denville.
The Denville Fire Department thanked its mutual aid partners, including Mount Tabor firefighters, the Antique Fire Association of New Jersey for its canteen truck, and neighbors who opened their yards and brought food and water for crews.
Officials said Thursday’s fire left a Denville family with a devastating loss, with nearly everything inside gone. A GoFundMe has been set up to help them rebuild.
