Lavallette Fire Company Had One of Its Busiest Seasons Ever in 2025

Lavallette Fire Company (Photo: Lavallette Fire Company)

While some bouts with foul weather may have prevented the 2025 summer season from matching the level of crowds present at the Jersey Shore over the previous few years, a combination of warm water temperatures, heavy surf, reshaped beaches and even larger houses have kept firefighters busier than ever.

Lavallette Volunteer Fire Company Chief Michael Hajisafari summed up the season in a report to the borough council that was discussed at Monday night’s meeting, chronicling not only a high number of calls that required responses this year, but an ever-growing variety of call types. With the volume and breadth of calls has come additional training required for members of the all-volunteer department, especially more intensive water rescue training.

“We have had one of the busiest summers this year,” Hajisafari wrote. “Many were swimmers in distress when lifeguards were not on duty. We urge the community members to please only swim when lifeguards are present.”

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So far this year, Lavallette firefighters have responded to a total of 130 calls. While many were the bread-and-butter of firefighting – structure fires, smoke conditions and carbon monoxide alarm activations – some of the most notable calls of the season originated from both the ocean and Barnegat Bay. Hajisafari said the company handled 13 water rescues,the save of a boater in distress, one water recovery, and even a brush fire on the beach. An overturned vehicle rounded out the wide variety.

The company’s members also spent the summer season intensifying their water rescue skills as well as practicing the adoption of new technology.

“Our firefighters completed additional training this summer on water rescue operations and vehicle extrication operations with newly-acquired battery powered extrication tools,” Hajisafari wrote. “We continue to evolve our techniques to improve safety and response.”

Earlier this summer, Shorebeat reported on a new sonar tool the company acquired that allows members to locate persons missing in the water.

Hajisafari reminded members of the community that volunteers are always being sought to the join the department. Whether one already has firefighter credentials or are interested in completing the Fire Academy, those interested in serving can get in touch via e-mail at lavallettefd@gmail.com for membership applications.