Hurricane Irene's 100 Year Record Flood

The Oakland Fire Department responded to 126 calls during Hurricane Irene. The calls consisted of downed wires, collasped industrial roofs, trees down on houses, compromised foundations, evacuations, water rescues, securing utilities, fires and activated alarms.

Several neighborhoods along the Ramapo River were advised to immediately evacuate because of the rapid rising water.

Ex-Chief Pete Sondervan took on the role of Fire Dispatcher and dispatched responding apparatus/personnel and prioritized rescue teams throughout the entire hurricane. OEM personnel Bob DeBoer and Jane Madden were also at the fire desk which doubles as the "EOC" Emergency Operations Center and handled OEM issues.

Some residents tried to ride the flood out and quickly realized the ferocity and depth of the water was just too much and called for help. Oakland required additional Swift Water Rescue Teams from Mahwah, Oradell and Fairlawn to assist people escape from their homes.

One person tried to wade through the torrent current and was swept downstream. Mahwah's Swift Water Rescue Team launched their air boat into the fast moving water and saved this man's life.

Watch the rescue here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSlpPV0MeH4

Oakland requested Mutual Aid from Franklin Lakes and Wyckoff to assist with multiple fire alarms and water rescues on Glen Gray Rd..

We want to give a special thank you to the Ladies Auxiliary for providing food/drinks to all of our first responders. Without their support we would not have been able to keep running all day and night.

Fire Chief Bob Knapp, DC Pete Warnet, DC Curt LeRoy, Capt. 1 Charlie Kelly, Capt. 2 Tim Ryan, L1 Mark Romme, L2 Vinny Dies, L3 Vinny Incorvaia, L4 Gary Walker, Police Chief Ed Kasper, OEM Coordinator Roy Bauberger; DPW Foreman Ray Fuller successfully managed all available resources at their disposal to ensure the safety of our community.

The damage caused by Hurricane Irene is stunning. Our town has come together to help one another in so many ways. Please refer to our website to find additional resources available for those in need.