Four Firefighters Injured in Demarest, NJ House Fire on Woodland Rd

Demarest, NJ (August 12, 2026) – On Tuesday, August 11, four firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a fast-moving fire gutted an unoccupied single-family rental home on Woodland Road between Madison Avenue and Hardenburgh Avenue in Demarest.

The fire was reported at approximately 3:44 p.m. When the Cresskill Fire Department arrived, flames were reportedly extending onto the second floor and through the attic.

Fire crews from Cresskill and Demarest attacked the blaze, which grew to a four-alarm fire before being brought under control at approximately 5:30 p.m. Multiple mutual-aid departments responded to the scene or provided coverage during the operation.

The Demarest Fire Prevention Bureau and borough fire marshal are investigating the cause of the fire.

We wish the injured firefighters a full and speedy recovery. 

What Workers' Compensation Benefits May Be Available to Injured Firefighters in Demarest, NJ?

Demarest firefighters who suffer injuries while performing their duties may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits under New Jersey law when the injury arises out of and occurs in the course of employment. 

The New Jersey Division of Workers' Compensation states that compensable work injuries can qualify for necessary medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, and, when supported by medical evidence, permanent disability benefits.

Medical coverage can be particularly important after a fire-related injury because treatment may continue after the initial hospital visit. New Jersey workers' compensation generally covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to a compensable work injury, which includes hospitalization and prescriptions. 

The employer or its workers' compensation carrier generally has the right to designate the authorized treating physician, except in circumstances such as an emergency or an improper refusal to provide treatment.

An injured firefighter who cannot work because of a qualifying injury may also be eligible for temporary total disability benefits. New Jersey provides these benefits when a worker is unable to work for more than seven days and is under active medical care, with payments generally calculated at 70% of the worker's average weekly wage subject to statutory limits. 

If an injury leaves a firefighter with lasting limitations, permanent partial or permanent total disability benefits may also be available depending on the medical evidence and extent of the disability. A personal injury lawyer familiar with New Jersey workers' compensation can review the circumstances of the fire, the firefighter's employment status, medical records, and available benefits. 

At Metro Law, we can explain how workers' compensation may apply to each injured firefighter's situation. 

To discuss your available legal options, you can contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476. Our team can help clarify which benefits may be available for you.