Services

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All of Branchburg, NJ

Fire Safety

Fire Official: Joseph Olivo
Phone: 908-526-1300 x158

The Branchburg Bureau of Fire Safety is the local enforcing agency administering the New Jersey Uniform Fire Safety Act.  The Branchburg Fire Official and Fire Inspector are certified by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of  Fire Safety to conduct fire prevention inspections in all buildings, structures, and premises within this State, with the exception of owner-occupied one-and two-family dwellings used exclusively for dwelling purposes.  They routinely conduct fire prevention inspections in every commercial and industrial building as well as day care facilities, public and private schools, stores, restaurants, gas stations and the Raritan Valley Community College complex.

The Bureau of Fire Safety also conducts investigations into the cause and origin of fires causing property damage, reviews site plan applications to the Planning Board, enforces the False Fire Alarm Municipal Ordinance and conducts inspections for the Certificate of Smoke Detector Compliance prior to the sale or lease of every residence in Branchburg. Primarily, state and local user fees supplemented by the municipality fund the operating cost of the Bureau of Fire Safety.

APPLY VIA THE ONLINE SERVICES PORTAL FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Fire/Burglar Alarm Registration Application

  • The registration fee for each system is $10.00
  • There is no fee to update (We recommend updating every 5 years or when changes are made)
  • Visit sdlportal.com to register your Fire/Burglar Alarm
  • Fire/Burglar Alarm Systems are required by Ordinance 3-14.4
  • Failure to register your alarm could expose the homeowner to a fine from $100.00 up to $1,500.00 and possible imprisonment up to 90 days. For more information on penalties and fines, please see the Municipal Ordinance

Certificate of Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide Alarm/Fire Extinguisher Compliance

  • Visit sdlportal.com to request for an inspection
  • Inspections are done on Wednesdays only
  • There is currently a 3 week turnaround for inspections
  • Once request has been submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment via email 
  • Payments must be paid prior to the inspection date
  • Refer to our list of inspection requirements; check that the alarms in your home are in working order
  • Failure to obtain a certificate could result in fines up to $5,000.
Required Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide and Portable Fire Extinguisher Fees:
11-1.8 (g) -Certificate of Smoke Detector Carbon Monoxide and Portable Fire Extinguisher Compliance
  • A request for a Certificate of Smoke Detector or  Carbon Monoxide Alarm received more than 10 business day prior to the closing or change of occupancy will result in a $50.00 fee
  • A request for a Certificate of Smoke Detector or  Carbon Monoxide Alarm received more than 4 but less than 10 business day prior to the closing or change of occupancy will result in a $90.00 fee
  •  A request for a Certificate of Smoke Detector or  Carbon Monoxide Alarm received less than 4 business day prior to the closing or change of occupancy will result in a $161.00.
  • There is now a $25.00 reinspection fee for each reinspection performed after the initial inspection.
Additional Information:
N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3 (A) Before any Use Group R-3 structure is sold, leased or otherwise made subject to a change of occupancy for residential purposes the owner shall obtain a Certificate of Smoke Detector or  Carbon Monoxide Alarm from the local enforcing agency.

The Fire Safety Office wishes to remind the citizens of Branchburg of fire hazards in the home. Here are some of the most recent causes of residential fires;

  • Those citizens having fireplaces and stoves should have them cleaned regularly. Creosote buildup in stovepipes and chimneys can ignite causing failure of the flue pipe and possibly spread to the structure, burn dry hard woods only, keep furniture and combustibles at least 3 feet away, never place ashes in a combustible container always remove them to a safe area outside,  (Ashes can remain hot for days) cool with water.
  • Use caution when working with chemicals, combustible or flammable liquids at home.  READ THE LABELS FOR USE.
  • Look for appliance or lamp cords damaged or stuck under heavy furniture or rugs, chewed by pets, wrapped around or knotted.
  • Does a fuse or circuit breaker trip?  It’s telling you there is trouble.  Don’t keep resetting it.  Find out what is wrong.
  • Use caution with high intensity lamps and all light bulbs, keep all combustibles away.
  • Recent residential fires have increased substantially caused by candles.  Unattended candles are now a major cause of home fires.  Use extreme caution.
  • Have a family meeting and discuss an emergency evacuation plan with the entire family and or any caregivers. Incorporate a routine check of your smoke detectors in your home maintenance duties.  Batteries should be changed when you change your clocks to/from Daylight Savings Time.
  • Consider adding smoke detectors inside all sleeping areas if the house was not originally equipped to recent standards.
  • If you feel there is an immediate fire-related problem in your home, call 911 immediately.

The Branchburg Bureau of Fire Safety office is ready to answer your questions regarding fire safety.  We can be reached at the Township Municipal offices at 908-526-1300 ext. 158.

To contact the Fire Official, click here.