The Atlantic Highlands Fire Department (AHFD) responded to 272 calls during the past year, Councilman Jose Pujols reported at the last meeting of the Mayor and Council. This includes 34 calls for service during December, 2025.
Pujols, the council representative to the fire department, also noted that newly sworn Fire Chief for 2026 Christopher Vasto also issued a series of reminders to residents to ensure safety and caution in their homes and businesses, particularly during the winter months.
Referring to the number of calls, Pujols pointed out the fire department volunteers respond to numerous other calls in addition to fires, including water rescues, mutual aid and inalarm activation. Neighboring towns assist this borough, he said, as well as borough volunteers going to the aid of others. As an example, he cited the major role Atlantic Highlands volunteers played in one instance last year in Keyport when at least one fire victim had to be transported by helicopter to a burn center and youngsters jumped from a top floor window to safety with waiting firemen. “Our borough volunteers assisted in all aspects,” he said, adding, “I’m very proud of our small but capable fire department. As the commissioner for this department, I’m all in! “
Councilman Pujols, who in his professional life is the Battalion Chief of the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue team in Hudson County and a fire official in Matawan, urged residents and businesses to heed the warnings and suggestions of Chief Vasto nnoted at the meeting.
In addition to using caution with heating equipment and space heaters, as well as keeping heating devices clear of combustible materials, Vasto urged residents to ensure that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, and fireplace ashes are safely disposed of in metal contained and stored away from structures.
Both the Chief and councilman also recommended residents have fireplaces and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned annually, noting that creosote buildup and blockages can increase the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide hazards.
Residents who have a fire hydrant on or near their property are asked to help by clearing snow and ice from around the hydrant when possible to enable quick access by firefighters at a time of emergency, to ensure a ready water supply. Thoughtfulness by residents in accomplishing this can make a critical difference in response time and fire suppression efforts, Pujols said.
Both the councilman and the fire chief also put in a pleas for volunteers to serve on the department, with Pujols inviting community members 18 years of age and older who are interested in serving as volunteer firefighters to consider joining the active volunteer group. He also pointed out the department has a highly successful Junior Firefighter Program for youths ages 14-17, which provides a great opportunity for young residents to learn about the fire service, teamwork, and community responsibility in a safe and structured environment.
Persons interested in volunteering in either program are urged to call or visit Borough Hall during normal business-hours for additional information.
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