Fire Prevention Bureau2019-05-19T16:25:17-04:00

Fire Prevention Bureau
880 Bloomfield Ave
Verona, NJ 07044

Fire Official: Matthew Gifford
Fire Inspector:   Connor McCann
Kenny Schmertz
Jared Koslow


EMERGENCY DIAL 911

(973) 857-1078

(973) 857-5272

fireofficial@veronanj.org

veronanj.org/fireprevention

A qualified Fire Official or Marshal is appointed by Township Ordinance. The Fire Official and his designees provide a varied type of Inspections for the Sale of Homes, Inspection of Life Hazard Uses and Fire/Safety Assessments. The Office of the Fire Official provides for Fire Prevention/Educational programs, along with a Public Affairs image that emphasizes good Fire/Safety habits and programs. Lastly, the Fire Marshal is responsible for initiating and following up with all investigations resulting from fires in the community. The various activities of the FPB are supported by the Verona Volunteer Fire Department, Police and Construction Office. It is through a TEAM effort that the effects of a solid Fire Prevention Program can be set forth and realized.

Services

Each year the Bureau responds to hundreds of requests for permits, certificates, etc. including:

  • Certification for Smoke Alarm, Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Fire Extinguisher: Required per State Fire Code prior to sale, lease or change in occupancy of 1 or 2 family houses.
  • Fire extinguishers and CO (carbon monoxide) alarms are required! (more)
  • Fire Safety Permit: Required per State Fire Code, in specific situations, involving the following:
    • Use of torch or flame producing device to seal membrane roofs, or to remove paint, on any structure.
    • Hot work, such as welding or cutting operations.
    • Use of open flame, or flame-producing device, at a public gathering.
    • Handling or storing of flammable or combustible liquids.
    • Possession or use of fireworks, explosives, or blasting agents.
    • Hot-tar roofing operations, including use of asphalt/tar kettle.
    • Construction, alteration, & demolition operations, including use of “hot work” operations.
    • Carnival or circus employing mobile enclosed structure for human occupancy.
    • Fumigation or thermal insecticide fogging.
    • Open burning or a bonfire.
    • Use of open flame or flame-producing device in connection with fire suppression training.
    • Storage or use of certain Hazardous Materials. Cooking operations on mobile canteen vehicles.
    • Any tent, tensioned membraned structure, or canopy greater than 900 square feet or more than 30 feet in any dimension.
    • Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (973) 857-4761 to obtain a Permit Application.

The Township also seeks to enhance Fire Prevention and Safety by educating the public and providing a variety of services to all residents and organizations within the Township. To request a fire truck and/or fire personnel for any type of event please email with your full name, type of request and contact information. Please note that the Verona Fire Department is an all volunteer organization so we will try to accommodate your request as best we can.

Concerned residents should contact the Bureau regarding complaints or inquiries of possible fire hazards or Fire Code violations.

Fire Prevention Bureau Documents

The Fire Prevention Bureau maintains and regularly updates necessary forms on the Township of Verona website at veronanj.org/fireprevention.

Fire Extinguisher Disposal

Old or discharged fire extinguishers are classified as hazardous waste or material. They must be disposed of properly through the Essex County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Program. This event is held twice a year – typically in May and October in Cedar Grove – refer to the Essex County Website for dates – www.ecuanj.com/newsevents.html

Old or discharged fire extinguishers cannot be put in your household recycling bin, normal garbage collection or bulk pick-up.

DO NOT BRING THE EXTINGUISHERS TO A FIRE HOUSE!

Information Regarding Fireworks in New Jersey

On June 28, 2017, Governor Chris Christie signed a bill to legalize the sale of sparklers and certain novelty fireworks for personal use. Consumers age 16 and older are now able to legally purchase hand-held sparklers, ground-based sparklers, party poppers, smoke bombs, snakes and snappers at retail stores. All other fireworks, however, remain illegal in New Jersey, including all explosive and aerial fireworks, such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, M-80s, mortars and similar devices. More information can be found at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website as well as this flyer produced by the DCA.

NFPA Codes & Standards

View the list of NFPA’s codes and standards

  • Select the document you want to review
  • Select the edition of the document you want to review
  • Click the “Free access” link (under the document title)
  • You will be asked to “sign-in” or create a profile to access the document in read-only format

The Fire Prevention Bureau is grateful for the support and cooperation of the Community in the endeavor to prevent fire and minimize dangers for its residents and firefighters.