Vernon Township, New Jersey

The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for enforcing the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. All retail, commercial, office, manufacturing and hotel properties are inspected annually for compliance with the code. The Bureau's inspectors are also responsible for investigating all fires in the Township.

The Bureau works with Vernon's four Fire Departments and the Construction Department to ensure that the residents of Vernon are kept safe from fire and other hazards that may cause loss of life or property.

The Bureau currently conducts annual inspections at more than 500 places of business, and that number grows each year. Approximately 40 percent of these businesses are registered as Life Hazard Uses. These inspections include the Mountain Creek water park and ski area, Hidden Valley ski area, local motels and hotel, and several bed and breakfast lodges.

Fire safety permits are issued from the Bureau. Open burning and recreational campfires at public gatherings are among the types of occasions that require a fire safety permit. The Bureau also schedules fire watch personnel for public school events held in the Township.

Resale inspections for one and two family dwellings are conducted by the Fire Prevention Bureau. This is a two step process involving a checklist that is completed by the home owner and reviewed by the Tax Assessor's office and the Construction Department, as well as the smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm inspection.