| John H Flaherty Fire Prevention Bureau | |||||||
Click on a topic of interest Inspection Programs Education
and Public Awareness Contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau
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Created Bloomfield Fire Prevention Bueau 1953 - 1st of it's kind in the state Instumental in forming NJ Fire Prevention Assoc 1962 Serving as it's first President Instumental in forming NJ State Fire Commision
The Bloomfield Fire Department in-service inspection program has been rated as one of the best in the State of New Jersey. Started in 1952, this program enables the line firefighters to visit and inspect all businesses and apartment houses twice a year in order to find common hazards, which the owners can easily have corrected. Also, this program accomplishes several other items. The firefighters, while on their inspections are able to gather all of the current information regarding the property. This is extremely helpful to both the Police and Firefighters when the business is closed and the owners need to be contacted. Another positive thing accomplished on these inspections is that the firefighters get a chance to familiarize themselves with the features of the building, just in case there is a fire. This familiarization has proven very successful in the combating of fires in its early stages. Also, should a business or homeowner have a question regarding the Fire Department, the firefighters can answer them at that time.
As the local enforcing agency, the Fire Prevention Bureau enforces the Uniform Fire Codes of the state of New Jersey. All of the inspectors assigned to the Bureau are certified inspectors of buildings, which are required to be registered with the State as Life Hazard uses. In addition to performing inspections, these inspectors answer complaints and follow up on the in-service inspection program’s Recommendation Notices.
FIRE SUBCODE SECTION OF THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT The Fire Prevention Bureau is also charged with the enforcement of the Fire Subcode Section of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Prior to any construction in the Township, either new or alterations, a construction permit is required. In order to obtain this permit, a plan of the work to be done must be submitted to the Building Department for review. The Fire Prevention Bureau then receives all of the life-safety concerns of the work, i.e., sprinklers, exits, and occupant loads and fire alarm systems. Once approved, a recommendation is then forwarded to the Construction Official so that the permit may be issued. Upon completion of the construction, the Fire Prevention Bureau inspects the work to ensure that it conforms to all of the codes.
EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS The Fire Prevention Bureau is also responsible for the Fire Safety Education of the Township. An aggressive education program is conducted all year long. Some of the programs include the annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest in the elementary schools, the annual Fire Department Open House, the Fire Safety House display throughout the Township, displays at the Bloomfield Harvest Fest and speaking to organizations regarding fire safety. Should you have any function that you would like to have a speaker at, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 973-680-4153?
Each year during Fire Prevention Week, Bloomfield residents are invited to attend our 'Open House' held at Fire Headquarters. This affords our residents young and old an opportunity to meet many of the Firefighters that serve the township. Live demonstrations on various aspects of home fire safety and emergency response are given, as well as some interactive displays such as the Fire Safety House for children. "Special Guests" such as Sparky the Fire Dog and Smokey the Bear are there to greet the children and make for some special photo opportunities. For information on when and where our next Open House is, please check our Calendar of Events page. (coming soon) Contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau Should you have any questions regarding Fire Safety in your home or workplace, or questions regarding the Fire Subcode as it pertains to construction, permits, and Fire Lane Violations, please contact us at 973-680-4153 and we will be happy to answer any of your inquires.
Please include your name, daytime phone number, and e-mail address in your e-mail.
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