Borough of Saddle River, NJ Fire Watch

A "fire watch" is defined as a temporary measure, ordered by the Fire Marshal or their designated representative, intended to ensure continuous and systematic surveillance of a building or portion thereof, by one or more qualified individuals, for the purpose of reporting fires, controlling fires, effecting occupant evacuation, coordinating Fire Department response and other functions deemed appropriate by the Fire Marshal or Fire Chief.

A fire watch may be ordered by the Fire Marshal, Fire Chief or their designated representative under the following circumstances:

(1)

Required building fire protection systems are impaired or out of service;

(2)

An "imminent hazard," as defined by N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.16, exists;

(3)

Hot work or use of an open flame during the performance of construction in an occupied building or the use of open flame or pyrotechnics before a live audience;

(4)

Any public or private event where more than 499 persons are in attendance when required by the Fire Marshal or designated representative;

(5)

A fire watch is requested by the building owner, tenant or lessee;

(6)

Any other condition or event that may pose unusual hazards or risk to the public or fire service when deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal or designated representative.

Fire watches shall be performed by any of the following:

(1)

A member of the Saddle River Fire Department;

(2)

Employees of the Borough of Saddle River;

(3)

Firefighters or fire inspectors from any fire department that has a mutual aid agreement with the Saddle River Fire Department;

(4)

In the event a required fire watch cannot be fulfilled with any personnel provided for herein, the Fire Marshal is permitted to fill the fire watch with other authorized personnel.

Fire watchers for the purposes of a fire watch shall report directly to the Fire Marshal or their designated representative.

In the event of a fire incident, the fire watchers shall report to the Fire Chief or Fire Department Incident Commander.

The Fire Marshal or designated representative shall stipulate the terms and duration of the fire watch, including but not limited to:

(1)

Staffing requirements;

(2)

Equipment needs;

(3)

Additional or secondary fire protection based on the specific conditions.

Fire watch services authorized and/or required by this section and deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal or their designated representative shall be paid at the rate of $30 per hour per person performing the fire watch. There shall be a minimum payment of two hours per person. An administrative fee of 10% shall be added to the total hourly compensation. In no case shall the administrative fee exceed $175. Payment shall be made payable to the Borough of Saddle River.