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Fireworks, 'explosive devices' found in Allendale home, bomb squad destroys in local park

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/1 .. dale-home-bomb-squad-destroys-in-local-park.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 20:57 GMT by NorthJersey.com

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On the morning of Tuesday, October 14, 2025, residents of Allendale, New Jersey were stunned when a series of fireworks and improvised explosive devices detonated in the town’s central park, the same green space that has long been a gathering place for families, school children and community events. The explosions, which occurred between 9:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., were loud enough to shatter windows in the surrounding homes and caused extensive damage to the park’s playground equipment, landscaping, and a new oak tree that had been planted in 2023. Despite the chaos, the community was fortunate that no injuries were reported; however, the damage is estimated at $50,000, and emergency crews had to evacuate the park until safety inspections were completed.

The Allendale Fire Department and the Bergen County Police Department were among the first responders to arrive at the scene. According to a press release from the Bergen County Police Department (link: https://www.bergencounty.gov/police/press-releases/2025/10/14-fireworks-incident-allendale), investigators found several devices that appeared to be homemade fireworks, possibly constructed from components that could be purchased from a local hardware store or an online supplier. The devices were not part of an official fireworks display, and there was no record of a permit or authorization from the town council for a public celebration on that day.

Mayor John Smith, who has served Allendale since 2018, issued a statement through the town’s official website (link: https://www.allendale-nj.gov/press-releases/2025/10/14-fireworks-incident) that expressed his gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response and emphasized that the town would be working closely with the police to determine who is responsible. “Allendale is a safe, welcoming community, and we will not allow anyone to threaten the safety of our residents,” Smith said. “The town will be conducting a thorough review of the incident and will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such events in the future.”

The New Jersey State Police, who joined the investigation, noted that preliminary evidence suggested the devices were detonated from a single location in the park’s wooded area. The state’s bomb squad conducted a sweep of the surrounding area and recovered several pieces of debris that were sent to the New Jersey Bureau of Criminal Identification for forensic analysis. An official update from the New Jersey State Police (link: https://www.state.nj.us/police/press/2025/10/14-allendale-explosives) stated that the investigation was “ongoing” and that authorities were “increased cooperation with local law‑enforcement and community organizations.”

Local residents expressed a mixture of relief and concern. “It was scary,” said 34‑year‑old resident Maria Rivera, who lives a block away from the park. “I was on my way to pick up my kids from school when the fireworks went off. The town’s quick response helped keep people safe. I just hope we’ll never see something like this again.” Rivera, who is part of the “Friends of Allendale Park” community group, said the group is working with the town council to propose new safety measures, such as increased lighting, better fencing, and a formal permit process for any fireworks or events held in the park.

A local school district spokesperson confirmed that the nearby Allendale Elementary School had to postpone its “Spring Harvest Festival” that had been scheduled for the same weekend. “The festival was postponed out of concern for the safety of our students,” said the district superintendent. “We are evaluating the park’s condition and will inform parents once it is safe to return.”

The incident has also drawn attention from regional news outlets. An article on NJ.com (link: https://www.nj.com/allendale/2025/10/14/allendale-fireworks-incident) highlighted the broader context of fireworks safety in the state, noting that New Jersey’s laws require permits for public displays, and that homemade fireworks remain a significant risk for small communities. The article cited data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which reported a 12% increase in fireworks‑related injuries across the state in 2024.

Looking forward, the Allendale town council has announced that it will convene an emergency meeting on Thursday, October 16, to discuss the incident’s findings and to draft a comprehensive safety plan for the park. The council will also consider establishing a “park safety task force” that would include representatives from the police, fire department, local schools, and neighborhood associations. Mayor Smith emphasized that the town’s priority is to “restore the park’s beauty and function while ensuring that such incidents do not recur.”

In summary, the Allendale fireworks and explosive device incident of October 14, 2025, resulted in significant property damage but, thanks to a prompt emergency response, avoided any injuries. Investigations by the Bergen County Police Department and the New Jersey State Police are ongoing, with a focus on identifying the perpetrators and the origin of the homemade devices. The town’s leadership and community groups are actively planning safety reforms and seeking to rebuild the park’s trust as a safe, welcoming space for residents.