Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - At approximately 1351 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company to a possible structure fire on Morris Avenue in the Gilford Park section of Toms River. Engine 5311 responded within minutes and was advised by command (Chief 2800) that there was an active fire in the kitchen. The crew from 5311 made quick work of the fire and worked with the crew from Engine 2811 to ventilate and check for extension. Luckily, the fire was well-contained and minimal residual smoke damage resulted. Units cleared the scene in under an hour.

Sunday, December 20, 2009 - Despite snowfall exceeding 20 inches just a mere day prior, the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company boarded the apparatus and escorted Santa Claus throughout Island Heights in keeping with the annual tradition. While a few hours earlier, neighbors were helping neighbors shovel driveways and cars out of the snow, the day came to a good end with the exchange of gifts, candy canes and fresh baked cookies.

Thursday, November 26, 2009 - In a stunning display of talent on the part of both teams, the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company came out victorious over the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company in the annual Thanksgiving Day football game with a score of 42-28. The game was held on the varsity football field of Toms River East High School at approximately 0930 hours and all competitors and families returned to the Island Heights firehouse afterwards to celebrate the outcome of the game and the holiday. The members of the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy and SAFE Holiday Season!

Sunday, November 1, 2009 - Shortly after 0800 hours, Station 53 was alerted to a working structure fire on River Bend Drive in Toms River. Engine 5301 and the Chief responded and arrived on scene 3rd due to a fully-involved two car attached garage with extension into the house. The engine chauffeur positioned on side alpha while the crew pulled a 2-1/2 inch attack line off of Engine 2501. The crew coordinated with crews from the first two engines (Toms River Cos. 1 & 2) to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire. Chief 5300 operated as a division officer and supervised fireground operations throughout the duration of the incident. The crew from Island Heights operated for just over two hours before being released by command (Chief 2500).

See 1stResponderNews article by Silverton Ex-Chief Bob Sinnott here.

Conditions upon arrival and the crew from Engine 5301 placing the deuce and a half in service.

Photos Courtesy of TRFD #1 Ex-Chief Al McDaniel

Saturday, September 12, 2009 - The Rotary Club of Toms River held its 17th Annual Sailfest Regatta and Street Fair along River Avenue in Island Heights. The event included a variety of food vendors, craft booths, games, antique automobiles and machinery and a live band. The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary manned their usual sausage sandwich stand, as well as provided fire protection for the event by staffing Engine 5301 which remained on site for the duration, as well as maintaining a second crew for Engine 5311 which remained in quarters to take in any calls for service for the rest of the town. Aside from an auto accident, the day was fairly quiet of emergencies. A fun time was had by all and the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company thanks all who stopped by the booth as well as those who generously gave donations. We look forward to Sailfest 2010!

Friday, September 11, 2009 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company remembers all who lost their lives on the morning of 9/11/01, especially those 343 firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Never Forget.

Monday, September 7, 2009 - Monday celebrated not only Labor Day 2009, but also the 99th annual Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company's Labor Day races and softball game. Hundreds of residents turned out to watch and participate in the tradition, which included potato races, three-legged races, pie eating contests and the "peanut scramble". The event was once again a huge success, with much fun and laughs had by all. The day was topped off by the annual Island Heights Fire/Toms River Fire softball game. Island Heights came out on top after a vicious battle with numerous lead changes and highlights. The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank the residents of Island Heights and the companies of the Toms River Fire Department for attending and once again making the day a success.

Labor Day 2010 will mark the 100th anniversary of the IHVFC's festivities. This event will include throwback races and events that took place way back when, as well as some new. Any suggestions of races and/or events that used to take place on Labor Days of the past are welcomed. Please contact the webmaster or any IHVFC member with ideas or suggestions. Any help in making this occasion special is greatly appreciated.

Saturday, August 29, 2009 - Slightly before 0600 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the East Dover Fire Co. (Station 28) to a house fire on Garfield Avenue in the Gilford Park section of Toms River. Upon arrival, units encountered a working fire and went to work. Chief 5300, Engine 5311, and Engine 5301 responded, performed vertical ventilation and assisted with extinguishing the fire and checking for extension.

Friday, August 14, 2009 - At approximately 1617 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the East Dover Fire Co. (Station 28) to a possible shed fire on Adams Avenue in the East Dover section of Toms River. Upon arrival, units encountered a working fire on the exterior of the house with extension into the attic space. Chief 5300 and Engine 5311 responded, established a water supply and assisted with extinguishing the fire and checking for extension.

Friday, August 7, 2009 - At approximately 1845 hours, Toms River Command Unit 1 dispatched Stations 28 (East Dover) and 53 (Island Heights) for a simulated water rescue with multiple persons in the water at Shelter Cove in the East Dover section of Toms River. Water Rescue 5304 and Engine 5301 arrived and worked with Units from Station 28 to launch land-based water rescue efforts from the beach. Meanwhile, fire/rescue boats from Stations 28, 29 (Silverton), and the jet-ski from Station 25 (Toms River Co. 1) effected numerous rescues from the water. Station 53 units operated from the north end of the beach, launching two rescuers at a time on tag lines with proper personal protective equipment. A total of 12 patients were rescued and evaluated by EMS units with injuries ranging from missing limbs and broken backs to jellyfish stings. Two evolutions were run and units cleared at approximately 2100 hours. Special thanks to various fire explorers who volunteered as victims, as well as Captain Tutela (Station 28) and Captain Baney (IHVFC) for organizing the drill.

Photos: svfc29.com

Friday, July 31, 2009 - At approximately 1800 hours, a storm front pushed through Central Ocean County, bringing heavy winds, rain, thunder and lightning to the Toms River area. Throughout the storm, Station 53 was called to dozens of emergency and non-emergency incidents, deploying Chief 5300, Asst. Chief 5310, Engines 5301 and 5311 and Utility 5304 throughout Island Heights and parts of Toms River. The storm brought down a number of trees and wires, damaging several houses and vehicles. Luckily, everyone made it home safe and the night resulted in no major injuries.

See article by IHPD Officer Sinnott here.

Saturday, June 27, 2009 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank all who came and supported Summerbrew 2009. The event attracted a record number of people, surpassing 1,150, and kicked over 50 kegs of nearly 30 types of beer. Both bands as well as the pipes and drums kept the crowd on its feet until nearly midnight, when the festivities came to an end. A special thanks goes out to the Island Heights Police Department for a large showing to monitor the event. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

Friday, June 26, 2009 - At approximately 0900 hours, Station 53, in addition to a number of stations on the north side of Ocean County, was alerted for a large area search in South Seaside Park. Utility Unit 5304 responded to the beach and its crew, aboard Seaside Park Unit 4506, assisted in searching Island Beach State Park in its entirety. Upon the release of the crew from Island Heights, the search was still ongoing. 5304 cleared the scene after approximately 5 hours.

Monday, June 8, 2009 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company extends its deepest sympathies to the Camburn family and Toms River Fire Company No. 2 for the passing of ex-Chief Ernest Camburn, father of IHVFC ex-Chief John Camburn and grandfather of IHVFC ex-Chief Doug Camburn. Ernest was an ex-Chief and life member of the Toms River Fire Company No. 2.

Saturday, June 6, 2009 - After many hours of cleaning and polishing the apparatus, members of the IHVFC boarded Engine 5301, Chief 5300, Utility 5304 and Antique Engine 5321 and traveled to Holiday City to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company. Following a judging session of the apparatus, a parade and several hours of good food, fun and competitions, the IHVFC walked away with 4 trophies:

• Best Appearing Overall Company
• 2nd Place Best Appearing Engine 6-11 Years Old
• 2nd Place Best Appearing Company-Owned Antique
• Tug-of-War Championship

The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company congratulates the men and women of the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company on their 50 years and wishes a safe 50 more.

Photos: Kathy Camburn

Sunday, April 26, 2009 - At approximately 2130 hours, an engine from Station 53 was requested to cover Station 44 (Seaside Heights) while they and other barrier island companies fought a fire at The Sawmill restaurant and bar on the boardwalk. Shortly after arriving at Station 44, Engine 5311 and Chief 5300 were called to the scene to assist. The crew assisted with overhaul and was released around midnight. Meanwhile, a full crew remained in Island Heights throughout the duration to cover any incidents in town.

Photos: www.app.com

Friday, April 24, 2009 - Friday evening, the membership of Station 53 hiked up their sleeves and participated in the townwide Earth Day clean-up. The company was responsible for cleaning up the block on which the firehouse is located, as well as all of Memorial Field. Trash was picked up, several trees were planted, the playground was touched up and the baseball field received a much deserved overhaul. The night was a perfect segway into a gorgeous weekend.

Photos: Ex-Chief Robert Wilber Jr.

Thursday, April 16, 2009 - Shortly after 0400 hours, Station 53 was alerted to a possible structure fire on Admiral Avenue near the border of Island Heights and Toms River. Within minutes, Chief 5300 and Engine 5301 arrived on scene to find a working basement fire in a well-insulated, single-story dwelling. Chief 5300 established the command and directed entry with an attack line to the basement. The crew from Engine 5301 quickly made entry into the dwelling and through zero visibility made their way through the house and into the basement. With the assistance of the thermal imaging camera, the crew was able to locate and knock down the bulk of the fire. Engine 5311 arrived shortly after and secured a water supply for 5301. While the crew was operating in the basement, it was found that the fire had burned through the floor of a first floor bedroom. The bedroom had been occupied by two children in cribs who were removed by occupants of the house. All occupants were able to escape unharmed after being awoken by a functioning smoke alarm. Both Island Heights Safety Officers operated on the scene, 2nd Lieutenant 5340 operated as the initial "Basement Division" officer and Captain 5320 operated as the "Accountability" officer. Toms River Companies 1 & 2 also operated on the fireground while East Dover Ladder 2865 stood by as the rapid intervention team. Units from Island Heights operated on the fireground for approximately three hours.

Photos: Ex-Chief Robert Wilber Jr.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - At approximately 2300 hours, Station 53 was alerted with IHPD to a possible structure fire on Lake Avenue. Within minutes, Chief 5300, Engine 5311 and Engine 5301 were on the scene of a small outside fire with extension to the exterior of the house. The crews (with the assistance of the homeowner and IHPD) quickly extinguished the fire, checked for extension and ventilated the structure. Units cleared the scene in under an hour.

Thursday, February 5, 2009 - At approximately 2200 hours, firefighters from Toms River Companies 1 & 2 were alerted to a structure fire, possibly a fire in the kitchen on Point O' Woods Drive. Lieutenant 2630 (Company 2) arrived reporting heavy fire from the first and second floors, followed closely by Chief 2500 (Company 1) who established command. While units began getting a knock on the fire, command requested an additional two engines, bringing Engine 5301 and the Chief. The crew from Island Heights went to work opening up the room of origin, extinguishing any remaining fire and checking Exposure Bravo. Units from 53 cleared the scene in just under two hours.

Photos: www.tr2fd.com

Sunday, January 25, 2009 - At approximately 1430 hours, Station 53 was alerted to a person through the ice at the end of Ocean Avenue. IHPD reported one iceboat operator whose apparatus had broken through the ice within 50 yards of the bulkhead, which was confirmed by Chief 5300 who established the "Island Heights Command". Assistant Chief 5310 arrived shortly thereafter and was designated "Operations", establishing verbal contact with the victim. Water Rescue 5304 and Engine 5311 quickly set up for ice rescue operations, deploying two rescuers onto the ice with about a dozen other fire department personnel operating as tenders and performing other land-based operations. The rescue of both the victim and his iceboat were effected in approximately ten minutes. The Island Heights First Aid Squad evaluated the victim as a precaution, who was released at the scene. All units cleared in just under one hour.

Sunday, January 18, 2009 - With winter in full swing bringing temperatures well below freezing to the Jersey Shore, Station 53 has taken much advantage of the frozen Toms River and Barnegat Bay to conduct numerous ice rescue training evolutions throughout the month of January. Under the direction of Assistant Chief/Ice Rescue Instructor Balfrey and Fire Chief Parks, members have suited up and deployed onto the frozen water, refining skills and techniques in both slow-paced evolutions as well as real-time simulated incidents. These training opportunities also allowed for interdepartmental training with the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company. With temperatures continuing to drop, Station 53 urges all to use caution around these frozen bodies of water.

Sunday, December 21, 2008 - As was much anticipated, the faint "Ho Ho Ho's" grew louder and louder as Santa Claus was escorted through Island Heights by an entourage of lights and sirens of the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company. Atop the 1928 Ahrens-Fox, Santa brought candy and gifts to the children of Island Heights, as well as some nice clear weather (albeit a slight Christmas chill). The fun night was capped off by an excellent buffet provided by Bada Bing Restaurant of Island Heights. Santa and the firefighters thank everyone for coming out to share the holiday spirit and for the generous donations.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - The townspeople of Island Heights came out once again to Station 53 on Wednesday to listen to the musical stylings of the students of the Island Heights Grade School. The evening was kicked off by some instrumentals, followed by a plethora of vocal selections, and a finale with, you guessed it, ANOTHER Santa Claus presence. Great job to all our young musicians! Again, be sure to look out for Santa to return to Island Heights in a few weekends with his entourage of lights and sirens!

Sunday, December 7, 2008 - The town recreation committee hosted the annual tree lighting at Memorial Field across from Station 53 on Sunday. The firehouse played host to food and music and later braved the bitter cold to escort Santa Claus to the tree. Look out for Santa to return to Island Heights in a few weekends, again with an entourage of lights and sirens!

Friday, December 5, 2008 - As the temperature rapidly diminishes, the IHVFC took a break from firematic training to drill on Ice Rescue operations led by Asst. Chief/Instructor Balfrey on Friday. The IHVFC, joined by East Dover and Seaside Park Volunteer Fire Companies, headed down to the Island Heights Grade School, broke out the ice rescue equipment and performed real-time "ice" rescues on the gymnasium floor. Full ice-rescue suits were donned, tag lines were extended, ice rescue boards were utilized and victims were brought to safety.

Welcome to the new web site of the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company. While you're here, feel free to navigate through the site to find out more about who we are, what we do and how you can join us. Be sure to check back often for announcements, events, incidents, and other news.