DOWNS: A 3-alarm fire raced through a row of wood-frame dwellings on Montgomery av. along the Irvington-Newark border, Oct. 15^th. The fire involved 65, 67, 71, 73 and 75 Montgomery, sending a huge column of smoke into the sky during rush hour. Multiple trees around the buildings and a car parked in a driveway also caught fire. Firefighters experienced low water pressure issues and at least one dead hydrant, according to WABC-TV. Nine families were displaced and wind gusts were reported to be around 20-mph during the fire.  

UPS: This year, Wayne Fire Co. 4, “The House on the Hill,” is celebrating their 100^th anniversary.  

DOWNS: Several mutual aid fire departments were called to assist Ramsey firefighters battle a large dwelling fire on Carriage Lane, Oct. 12^th. Officials said the fire involved the home's attic and caused a partial roof collapse. The occupants made it out of the house to safety, Fire Chief Douglas Harvey said.

UPS: In October, the Wood-Ridge Fire Department unveiled two memorial plaques at the firehouse to honor two fallen Brothers. Firefighter Timothy Sullivan and Firefighter James Bartlett both passed away from 9/11 related cancers. Never Forget.

DOWNS: A man who was injured in a fire involving a Garfield av. dwelling in Jersey City, Oct. 16^th, later died at the JCMC. The victim was found injured by firefighters during the fire, which involved a third-floor bedroom, according to the Jersey City Patch.   

UPS: Saddle Brook Fire Company 2 honored Firefighter Ed Ceccacci for 50-years of service. Captain Andy Gallo was recognized for 25-years of service.  

DOWNS: A fire consumed a three-story multi-family dwelling on Burlington av. in Delanco, Oct. 14^th. One person was rescued, according to WPVI-TV.  

UPS: In October, a retirement party was held at Wyckoff Company 1's quarters for retired FDNY Lt. Mike Ciampo. Mike's father, Nick, was the head of the FDNY shops in the late 1970's into the 1980's, and his brother, John, are members of Company 1.  Lt. Ciampo's career began in Washington D.C., assigned to Truck Co. 3 and Rescue Co. 3. He then joined the FDNY and was assigned to Engine Co. 46 and Ladder Co.'s 44 and 45, for a total of 39-years of fire service duty. In addition, Lt. Ciampo is a lead instructor at the FDIC, Technical Editor for Fire Engineer magazine, and he writes the monthly “On Fire” column in that publication. He recently authored a book on tower ladder operations. During the retirement party, the company's tower ladder was positioned outside, with the American flag on display from its bucket.  Added on to the cab's door was a FDNY patch and the number “45” on the rear cab doors, representing the lieutenants last assignment. The party ended at 9 p.m. Shortly after that time, the tower ladder was dispatched to a fire heavily involving a large dwelling in Ramsey. The local tower ladder responded with the FDNY markings still on the rig, and the bucket operated at the scene. That must have had some mutual aid coordinators scratching their heads!  

DOWNS: With October being almost rain free, wildfires and large brush fires have kept the state's firefighters very bust.  On November 9^th, a huge brush fire, that started in West Milford, spread over 2,000 acres and into New York state. An Eastern Dutchess County Fire & Rescue Ranger, was struck by a falling tree in Greenwood Lake, N.Y., killing him. Dariel Vasquez, 18, worked as an aide employed by the NY State Parks, Recreation & Historical Preservation Department, according to the state police. What was labeled the Jennings Creek Fire was called the largest in New Jersey so far this year, according to Independent Online News. The NJFFS and local fire companies have been active for many days battling these fires. A spokesman for the NJFFS told News 12 that they operated at over 400 fires in October.