Community Information

 

The City of Bridgeton is comprised of 22,771 people living within 6.2 square miles.  The City has the largest historic district in New Jersey.  The city is located extreme southern New Jersey along the Cohansey River, a tidal tributary (Google Map).  The city has a large zoo, park and recreation area and is home to the annual Sunset Triathlon.  Bridgeton also has a diverse population and is rich in culture.  The city is rich in history, dating back to 1868.  Many residential structures that date to the Victorian Era exist and are of balloon frame construction.   Of these dated structures, there is a high number of duplexes.  A large downtown area is present with many turn of the century  structures built close together.  New residential developments have introduced lightweight wood truss construction to the city.  A high-rise, the largest state prison in New Jersey, a state office building, social security office, county courthouse and numerous other government building and business offices adorn the city, which is also the county seat.  These factors have led to a higher than average fire load for the city. 

 

The Bridgeton Fire Department serves the city with three engines, two ladders, one brush unit, five ambulances,  four boats and six support vehicles staffed with both volunteer and career firefighters and EMTs.

 

City of Bridgeton      Cumberland County

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 - Can I burn leaves at my house?

No - Chapter 107 of the city codes specifically prohibits any type of opening burning. 

"No person or persons shall make or cause to be made any open fire or bonfire of any kind or burn any type of combustible materials whatsoever in the City of Bridgeton except for cooking purposes or indoor fireplaces, incinerators or furnaces, unless approved by the Fire Official or his designee or otherwise permitted by regulations promulgated by the State of New Jersey."

 

 - Why does the fire department still come even after I call my alarm company to report an alarm as a false one?

Whenever summoned, the fire department must respond and investigate the cause of the alarm.  Many times a "false" alarm may have actually been caused by burnt food or other human error.  The fire department must make sure that the cause has been mitigated and make sure no other actions are needed.

 

 - Why do we see a fire truck with lights and sirens on go through a traffic signal and then turn them off?

Many times, the fire trucks may be recalled (told that they are not needed) by fire department officials who have arrived before the trucks have.  This would also explain why you may see a fire truck with lights on turn them off and stop at a store.

   

 - Why are firefighters at the grocery store?

Firefighters work 24 hour shifts and must eat their meals at the firehouse.  Often, firefighters cook at the firehouse and we must buy groceries to make our meals.

 

- Why do firefighters arrive at my house when I call for an ambulance?

Many times the two Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) on an ambulance may need help at the scene of an emergency to provide care or to lift and move patients.  Most of the City's firefighters are also trained as EMTs and can provide the same level of care as the EMTs on the ambulance.  In addition, the firefighters may be nearby and are able to respond quickly and provide care.