Fire Prevention

Bureau of Fire Prevention

The City of Orange Township Fire Prevention office is supervised by Captain John Petroccia, Fire Official. The office is responsible and oversees inspections for the commercial and homeownership properties in Orange. The bureau enforces the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code Statutes and the City of Orange Ordinances.

Fire Safety Interventions

November is fire safety month. More home fires occur in the months of November and December than at any other time. This is mainly due to various ways of heating the home, Christmas lights and seasonal candles. Therefore, it is very important for teachers, firefighters and parents to teach children the importance of fire safety.
Most children learn about fire prevention and fire safety at school, but parents need to reinforce the information at home. When reviewing fire safety with your children at home, here are a few tips:

Top safety tips

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.

  • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.

  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.

  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

  • Keep knives out of the reach of children.

  • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

  • Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

  • Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.

  • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.


Fire Prevention Disclaimer

During the City of Orange Fire Department's visits, our office distributes literature for children and educators; demonstrates Firemen gear up in their uniforms during visits; and reinforces fire safety with traditional learning in fun and effective scenery.

Members of the community may make an appointment to have a tour or open house hosted by the Fire Prevention Bureau. Demonstrations of fire department equipment (old and new), photographs to aid in understanding of how fires are fought and a first-hand look at the department apparatus is available by appointment.

Inspections

The Bureau of Fire Prevention coordinates inspections. Including "Life Hazard Inspections". These are inspections mandated by the State of New Jersey, such as nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, bars and schools. These are all conducted by a licensed "Fire Inspector", certified through the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.

Investigations

The City of Orange Township Fire Investigators are certified by the NJ Division of Criminal Justice. The Bureau of Fire Prevention works with the Essex County Prosecutor's Arson Task Force and other governmental agencies to determine the cause of each fire incident.