PLEASANTVILLE — Charles Lassiter knew his mother was tough, but he did not realize how tough until he was stricken with the same disease that killed her.

Now, the 43-year-old Pleasantville firefighter and father of three daughters is fighting for his own life — against Stage 5 polycystic kidney disease — but it is a fight he is not taking on alone.

Lassiter’s fellow firefighters, former EMS colleagues and the South Jersey community are rallying, through sporting events and bake sales, to help keep....Continue Reading 

Days of strong winds and low humidity coupled with a dry winter and early spring have created dangerous fire conditions across much of the state.

But South Jersey has effectively become a tinderbox as the conditions merge with consistently gusty winds and the lack of leaves on trees.

“Our numbers indicate that we’re one match away from Armageddon,” Assistant Division Warden Bill Donnelly said. “Right now, throughout the state, probably some of the most ....Continue Reading

Authorities said a brush fire in a wooded area north of Barnegat Boulevard and west of Route 9 is 100 percent contained.

Barnegat Township police responded at 11:21 a.m. Tuesday to reports of heavy smoke in the area.

Lt. Keith Germain said 15 fire trucks from seven area volunteer fire companies, ground and......Continue Reading