Opinion
Last week’s editorial discussed the need to support the Livingston Fire Department. Just days later, we have a perfect example of why doing so is so crucial.
Firefighters spent most of last weekend battling one of the largest fires in Livingston’s history. The 140 acre blaze began Saturday afternoon, October 26, exacerbated by the extremely dry conditions. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS), working in unified command with the Livingston Fire Department, expected the wildfire to spread to 192 acres by the time it was completely contained. The fires burned mainly in the area of Eisenhower Parkway and Route 10 (West Mt. Pleasant Avenue), and while there were several road closures in the area, there were no reported injuries or damage to structures. Days after it began, we are still dealing with the aftermath, as smoke continues to spread from areas that are smoldering.
At its peak Saturday evening, 48 structures and six commercial businesses were threatened, and multiple major roadways were closed. It was one of the largest fires in township history, and given its massive scale and dangerous conditions, we should be grateful to have escaped with no damage to structures or loss of life. This is, of course, due to our local and statewide first responders. In addition to the Livingston Fire Department, Police Department, and First Aid Squad, many agencies from neighboring towns came to aid. And the NJFFS – who at one point had 15 trucks and 45 firefighters assisting – remain on the scene days later, waiting for the much needed rain to fully contain the blaze.
Thank you to everyone who helped, from those who fought the fire to ones who donated water bottles. This was a true community effort.
We should, again, note that the Livingston Fire Department (LFD) recently sent a letter to residents requesting donations. We hope people will remember this week’s events and consider making a donation.
We must also stress that the state is still in stage 3 fire restrictions, which means that all fires are prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity. This means that charcoal fires, bonfires, and fireworks are prohibited. Burning leaves, as always, is banned, as well. We know that many families plan to celebrate both Halloween and Diwali tonight. We implore you to keep these restrictions in mind while you do so. The last thing we need is another fire.
Cast Your Ballot
This is our final issue before Election Day on Tuesday, November 5, and we again strongly encourage all who are able to do so to vote. It is not a requirement for citizens to vote, and, stunningly, tens of millions of eligible voters decline to do so. In the last Presidential Election, in 2020, over 155 millionAmericans voted, roughly 66.6 percent of the voting population. If you are among the 33.4 percent who did not vote four years ago, your vote could decide this election.
We don’t expect every person to feel excited, or even completely confident, about all of their selections, but that is no excuse to abstain from voting.
A popular refrain that has stuck with us about voting over the years (we have seen it attributed to Debbie Moon) sums it up succinctly: “Voting isn’t marriage, it’s public transport. You’re not waiting for ‘the one’ who’s absolutely perfect: you’re getting the bus, and if there isn’t one to your destination, you don’t not travel – you take the one going closest.”
So, let’s all agree to get on the bus and vote. For those who have mailed in their ballot, it is also well worth confirming that it has been received and accepted. Go to https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search and select “My Voter Information” to check your ballot status.
For those interested in early voting, which is currently underway, the closest place to Livingston to do so is at the Turtle Back Zoo.
Make sure your vote is counted because someone else cannot be counted on to do that for you. Your vote matters, to you and to so many others. Do not take it for granted.
Halloween Fun and Frights
We hope everyone has been enjoying Livingston’s Halloween festivities over the past week, including last Friday’s annual haunted walk at the Livingston Senior/Community Center. Tonight, on Halloween proper, the annual township Trunk or Treat is being held at a new location, the Eastman Building parking lot, 290 West Mt. Pleasant Avenue, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The event is free and also includes additional activities, a costume contest, family photo booth, food trucks, a prize for the best decorated trunk, and more. It should be a fun time for all, as will be good old fashioned trick-or-treating around town.
And for those who have put their leaves on or near the curb for pickup, remember that only section 1 is currently allowed to have their leaves in the street. For everyone else, please keep the leaf piles on your property, to avoid safety and fire hazards for trick or treaters and all other residents, as well.
We wish all our residents a safe and happy Halloween!
