|
BRIDGETON FIRE DEPARTMENT |
Frequently asked questions:
I am starting a business in Bridgeton. Do I need a fire inspection? To comply with state and local codes, your business will most likely need an annual fire inspection. For more information click here.
I am selling or buying a home. I am told I need a Certificate of Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide Detector and Fire Extinguisher Compliance. The Bureau of Fire Prevention can provide this certificate. Fees range from $35.00 to $125.00. Call for an appointment. For more information click here.
Can I burn leaves or trash in my yard? No person or persons shall make or cause to be made any open fire or bonfire of any kind or burn any type of combustible materials whatsoever in the City of Bridgeton except for cooking purposes or indoor fireplaces, incinerators or furnaces according to Chapter 107 of the City Code.
I had a small fire on my property or in my house but it is now extinguished. Should I call the fire department? Yes! Many times a fire can appear out but my reignite minutes or even hours later. Always call 911 as soon as possible if you see or smell smoke or fire. In addition, insurance companies often require a fire report from the fire department.
More frequently asked questions
|
|
|
Emergency Dial 911 Firehouse: 451-0091 City Hall: 455-3230 Bridgeton Police: 451-0033 Health Department: 327-7602 |
||
 |
Bridgeton Fire Department History Fire Department History Fire protection in the City of Bridgeton was "born" in 1819 when the Neptune Fire Company Volunteers was formed under the leadership of Chief Bevan. The Neptune Fire Company Volunteers continued serving the city until approximately 1840 when the Minerva Fire Company was formed. The Minerva Fire Company provided protection with a hand pumper called the Minerva, a horse drawn wagon and other man-powered and hand drawn apparatus. Another hand pumper called the "Bridgeton" followed the Minerva. Neither of these was preserved but were destroyed. The Minerva Fire Company disbanded sometime in the early 1850's. It is unclear if there were any other fire departments formed between the 1850's and 1877 when the first city fire company was organized. The Cohansey Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 was organized in March of 1877, and was located at the corner of Washington Street and Cohansey Street. In 1896 the Fire Department moved to its current building on Orange Street near City Hall.
Line of Duty Death: Royal J. Rainear and Harold Jackson 10/05/1943 Royal J. Rainear, regular driver, and Harold Jackson, volunteer hoseman, both died in the line of duty on October 5, 1943 while operating at a massive fire at the George Schalick and Sons Feed Mill in Centerton. Assistant Chief Robert Mulford, Dave Meyers, Royal Rainear and Harold Jackson were operating a line hosing down hot spots when they plunged into a deep grain pit. Meyers escaped, Chief Mulford clung to the hoseline but Jackson and Rainear plunged into the red hot grain bin. Around 6 pm Tuesday night a neighbor of the mill saw smoke coming from the grain elevator and notifed Mr. Schalick, who was still in his office at the plant. An alarm was sounded for the fire departments from Elmer and Bridgeton. Bridgeton sent its new pumper, Carl Horner driving, with a crew of nine. Other departments, including Vineland, were summoned as the fire grew before Elmer, six miles away, and Bridgeton, seven miles away, could reach the scene. Elmer Fire Chief Charles Nelson commanded the scene until relieved by Bridgeton Chief John Peguesse late into the night. Assistant Chief Robert Mulford, Dave Meyers, Royal Rainear and Harold Jackson plunged into the burning grain bin fours hours into the fire. The four firemen were taking a hoseline into the building as the floor around the grain chute collapsed sending them into the pit. Jackson and Rainear could not escape as the grain acted like quicksand. State Police two-way radio cars quickly called their Hammonton headquarters who in turn telephoned City Hall with a request for the City's ambulance and inhalator. John Price was attributed with pulling Rainear and Jackson from the pit after entering from the grain chute as other rescuers forced a door in the lower part of the bin, allowing Price to pull out the bodies. Price's hands were burned during the heroic event. Both Price and Rainer were members of the Department of Defense plant fire department in Pedricktown. Twenty-three Bridgeton firemen fought the flames and the City's flood light unit was used at the scene. The Bridgeton Salvation Army mobile canteen car also responded provided firemen with food and refreshment. State Police Detective Clitch of the Malaga station and Inspector of Police Norman Fletcher investigated the blaze. It is reported that the fire was the result of a carelessly tossed match or cigarette near the loading dock. Royal J. Rainear was a well known member of the fire department having served for ten years and was a regular driver. Rainear was 34 years of age. Harold Jackson was also a popular member and had served as a volunteer hoseman for three years. Jackson was 32 years of age. Source: Bridgeton Evening News October 1943
Line of Duty Death: Lieutenant William Channels 11/02/1949 Lieutenant William Channels , driver for 23 years, collapsed and died shortly after he moved his pumper into position at Irving Avenue and Walnut Street. Lieutenant Channels was on the first alarm assignment for a fire at the Martin Corporation plant on November 2, 1949. Detecting a problem with the hose pressure, firemen rushed to the pumper only to find the Lieutenant lying on the ground. He was carried to a car and rushed to Bridgeton Hospital but succumbed to a heart attack on the way. Around 6:30 pm on November 2, 1949 the fire department was sent to Martin Corporation's dyeing and finishing plant on Irving Avenue. Employees stated that the fire broke out near a dryer and spread rapidly throughout the heavy timber building. Fire extinguishers were useless as the timbers "caught like powder" one employee stated. A mildew proofing solvent that was applied to the building is believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of fire. At its height, the fire could be seen ten miles away. Over 200 firemen battled the blaze. Four neighboring homes caught fire from burning embers. Lieutenant Channels was a veteran fireman having served for twenty three years. He was known as one of the more able men in the department and played a leading role in many major fires over the years. He was described as friendly and had served as treasurer and secretary for the FMBA Local No. 52. Lieutenant Channels was 49 years of age. Source: Bridgeton Evening News November 1949
Fire Department Gamewell System & Diaphones Horns The City of Bridgeton used a Gamewell fire alarm box and alerting system. Gamewell horns and pull boxes provided a timely way to activate the fire department for many years. The fire alarm boxes were gone by the 1970s but the horn system was used to alert firemen up until the 1990s. Many parts of the system are still present in the firehouse. The diaphone horns are still located in the firehouse hose tower. However, the system used to activate the horns has been dismantled.
© 2008 Bridgeton Fire Department Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is intended to provide news, informative content and general information for the public. It is not intended to take the place of or conflict with any City of Bridgeton or Bridgeton Fire Department policy, statements or actions. For official statements about emergency events, Fire Department policy or any other information for legal or official use, please contact Fire Chief David Schoch. |
|
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Emergency: 911 Business: 451-0091 Fax: 459-1801
Serving Since 1877
Cohansey 1877 Minerva 1840 Neptune 1819
Incident Survey: Fire 2009: 1181 2008: 1210 2007: 1057 2006: 846 2005: 851 2004: 873 2003: 895 2002: 946 2001: 985 2000: 876
|
||
