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BRIDGETON FIRE DEPARTMENT |
Frequently asked questions:
I am starting a business in Bridgeton. Do I need a fire inspection? To comply with state and local codes, your business will most likely need an annual fire inspection. For more information click here.
I am selling or buying a home. I am told I need a Certificate of Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide Detector and Fire Extinguisher Compliance. The Bureau of Fire Prevention can provide this certificate. Fees range from $35.00 to $125.00. Call for an appointment. For more information click here.
Can I burn leaves or trash in my yard? 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 according to Chapter 107 of the City Code.
I had a small fire on my property or in my house but it is now extinguished. Should I call the fire department? Yes! Many times a fire can appear out but my reignite minutes or even hours later. Always call 911 as soon as possible if you see or smell smoke or fire. In addition, insurance companies often require a fire report from the fire department.
More frequently asked questions
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Emergency Dial 911 Firehouse: 451-0091 City Hall: 455-3230 Bridgeton Police: 451-0033 Health Department: 327-7602 |
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Questions and Information Fire Safety and Fire Inspections: I am starting a business in Bridgeton. Do I need a fire inspection? To comply with state and local codes, your business will most likely need an annual fire inspection. For more information click here.
What are common fire code violations? Common violations include the following: - Use of extension cords in place of permanent wiring. Only fusible power strips may be used. All other extension cords can only be used for temporary use. Example: An extension cord can not be used to power a refrigerator or freezer unit. A fusible power strip can be used to power a computer or cash register. - Storage in or around electrical panels and heaters. Thirty inches (30") of clearance is required around electric panels and service equipment. Thirty six inches (36") of clearance is required around heaters (furnaces, boilers, water heaters, etc.). - Aisle must be free and clear of obstructions. Aisles in stores or in seating areas must remain clear. When aisles are being stocked, the aisle must be closed to the public. -Emergency lights must be operational. Almost all occupancies require illumination of exits. Often light bulbs or batteries in emergency lights are not working. Emergency lights differ from illuminated "EXIT" signs. Illuminated exit signs are required in certain occupancies. Sometimes emergency lights and exit signs are combined in one unit above an exit. Once in place, all exit signs and emergency lights must be maintained. - Those buildings with fire alarm system must have records of alarm test. Different alarm components require testing at varying intervals. Keep all fire alarm test paperwork ready available for the inspector. - Fire extinguishers must be up to date and certified by a New Jersey licensed fire extinguisher contractor. The fire department does not service fire extinguishers. Contractors who do this type of work can be found in the phone book or by using this list provided by the State of New Jersey.
How can I be prepared for a fire code inspection at my business? Have fire alarm system, fire extinguisher and fire sprinkler system test records on hand and up to date At all times, keep stock and storage areas neat and orderly and egress doors and aisles clear Maintain all fire and safety aspects of your building or business as they were built Obtain permits from the construction office for any alterations to your building Have updated owner and emergency contact information available for inspectors
Do you inspect residential buildings? The New Jersey Uniform Fire Code only allows fire inspections in certain non-owner occupied residential buildings.
What are fire code annual fees? In order to fund the fire inspection process, annual fees are paid by all business. Non life hazard uses are registered by the City Fire Prevention Bureau. The fee schedule ranges from $25 to $500 for non-life hazard uses. Life hazard uses are registered by the State of New Jersey. Contact the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety for information on Life Hazard Use fees at (609) 633-6132.
What is the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code? Inspectors use the New Jersey State Fire Prevention Code when evaluating businesses and building for fire safety compliance. For more information on the code, visit the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Codes and Standards web site.
I am selling or buying a home. I am told I need a Certificate of Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide Detector and Fire Extinguisher Compliance. The Bureau of Fire Prevention can provide this certificate. Fees range from $35.00 to $125.00. Call for an appointment. For more information click here.
Can I burn leaves or trash in my yard? 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 according to Chapter 107 of the City Code.
I had a small fire on my property or in my house but it is now extinguished. Should I call the fire department? Yes! Many times a fire can appear out but my reignite minutes or even hours later. Always call 911 as soon as possible if you see or smell smoke or fire. In addition, insurance companies often require a fire report from the fire department.
Around the firehouse: Besides extinguishing fires, what do firefighters do? Firefighters who work for the City of Bridgeton have many duties. Firefighters not only respond to fires, but respond to ambulance calls, perform fire code inspections, perform daily and weekly maintenance, attend daily training as well as countless other activities.
What is a firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician's schedule like? Firefighters work a 24 hour shift every third day. Firefighters start work at 7:30 am. When not answering emergency calls, their daily schedule basically is as follows: 7:30am - 8:00am Shift Briefing 8:00am - 10:00am Vehicle and equipment checks 10:00am - 12:00pm Training 12:00pm -1:00pm Lunch 1:00pm - 5:00pm Inspections, building & vehicle maintenance/projects, fire prevention, public events 5:00pm - 6:00pm Gym/exercise 6:00pm - 8:00pm Supper 8:00pm - 7:00am Personal downtime and rest 7:00am - 7:30am Firehouse cleanup
EMTs who staff the ambulance begin their shift at 6:00am and are relieved by other EMTs at 6:00pm the same day. EMTs begin their shift by checking the equipment and restocking supplies on every ambulance. They also clean each ambulance, the stretchers and other equipment. During the day EMTs perform daily chores and other activities as needed. After each call EMTs must clean and restock their ambulance.
Firefighters and EMTs primary job is to respond to emergencies and therefore they must often alter and adapt their other daily activities.
Why do firefighters sleep at the firehouse? Bridgeton firefighters work 24 hours on-duty and then receive 48 hours off. This system is fairly common and has been used for many years. It is very cost effective since only three different shifts (or platoons) of firefighters are needed as opposed to 12 hour or 10/14 hour schedules that need four platoons. Firefighters are provided with sleeping quarters because of the long 24 hour shift. For these reasons, firefighters are regulated under different labor laws than most employees and do not receive overtime pay unless they work more than 56 hours per week. EMTs work 12 or 8 hour shifts and do not sleep at the firehouse.
Employment and volunteering: How do I become a Bridgeton firefighter or EMT? The City of Bridgeton has both fulltime career firefighters and volunteer firefighters. To become a volunteer firefighter one must come to the firehouse and pickup an application. The application process is overseen Battalion Chief Bowen and it may be beneficial to contact him at 451-0091 prior to picking up an application. Full-time and part-time EMT positions are also handled by Battalion Chief Bowen. Career firefighter positions are regulated by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Civil service test are administered by the Commission. More information is available on their web site.
© 2008 Bridgeton Fire Department Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is intended to provide news, informative content and general information for the public. It is not intended to take the place of or conflict with any City of Bridgeton or Bridgeton Fire Department policy, statements or actions. For official statements about emergency events, Fire Department policy or any other information for legal or official use, please contact Fire Chief David Schoch. |
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Emergency: 911 Business: 451-0091 Fax: 459-1801
Serving Since 1877
Cohansey 1877 Minerva 1840 Neptune 1819
Incident Survey: Fire 2007: 1057 2006: 846 2005: 851 2004: 873 2003: 895 2002: 946 2001: 985 2000: 876
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