[Adopted by Ord. No. 339-74 (Sec. 2-25 of the 1987 Revised General Ordinances)]
There is a need to provide
strict and consistent enforcement of various municipal codes pertaining
to fire prevention and related matters; and whereas, the most up-to-date
codes are useless if enforcement personnel cannot detect code violations
and initiate action to compel compliance.
There is hereby created the municipal office of Fire Marshal
in the Borough.
To insure that minimum standards of fire prevention are maintained.
The Fire Marshal shall seek to detect and prevent hazardous fire conditions
in existing facilities through periodic inspection.
Under direction, performs responsible inspection, compliance
and prosecutory work through the Municipal Court and other agencies,
to enforce all laws and ordinances of the state, county and Borough
pertaining to fire inspections and safety and such other ordinances
as shall be specifically assigned by the Mayor and Council.
[Amended by Ord. No. 5-80; Ord. No. 8-80; Ord. No. 1987-8]
A.
The position shall be a full-time position. The Fire Marshal will
attend, when required, meetings of municipal agencies, as requested,
including the Ex-Chiefs Advisory Council, and will appear and testify
in the Municipal Court or other appropriate boards and agencies to
obtain compliance with codes.
[Amended 12-27-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-41]
B.
Will prepare monthly reports and other pertinent data as requested
by the Borough Council or Borough Administrator.
[Amended by Ord. No. 8-80; 12-27-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-41]
The Fire Marshal will enforce all laws and ordinances of the
state, county and Borough covering the following:
A.
The prevention of fires;
B.
The storage and use of explosives and flammables;
C.
The installation and maintenance of automatic and other fire alarm
systems and fire extinguishing equipment;
D.
The maintenance and regulation of fire escapes;
E.
The means of adequacy of exit in case of fire from factories, schools,
hotels, lodging houses, asylums, hospitals, convalescent homes, churches,
hall, theaters, amphitheaters, and all other places in which numbers
of persons work, live or congregate from time to time for any purpose;
F.
The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fires.
[Amended by Ord. No. 8-80]
A.
Reviews building plans for adequacy of exits, fire protection equipment,
fire alarm systems and construction requirements.
C.
Initiates action to force compliance with Uniform Fire Code by issuance
of orders to correct violation or deviation from the requirements
of the code.
D.
Makes specific field investigations to insure that provisions of
laws and codes are being met through inspection of installation of
equipment deemed to be hazardous and by conducting required inspections
of specific equipment prior to renewal of annual permits.
E.
Coordinates activities with the Fire Prevention Bureau and other
public agencies by cooperation with the Construction Official on plan
approval, coordinated inspection of occupancies requiring joint inspection
by health, building, police, etc.
F.
Attend public meetings such as Board of Adjustment, Planning Board,
etc. Serves as consultant to many civic groups.
G.
Gives testimony in court on such matters as criminal action for arson,
Municipal Court complaints for code violations and civil court cases
resulting from fire losses.
H.
Prepares reports of inspections, investigations and routine duties.
Also prepares monthly and annual reports to governing body and public.
I.
Establishes and maintains a complete and comprehensive record system.
This requirement receives considerable weight when fire prevention
activity is rated by Insurance Services Office (ISO)
K.
Serves as consultant in the preparation of plans and specifications
for fire protection in public buildings.
L.
Makes investigation of fires to determine the cause and origin for
fire prevention purposes and for possible criminal action in the event
of arson. Also investigates new equipment and/or processes to determine
the fire hazard.
M.
Assists Fire Chief to conduct public education programs through continuing
fire prevention programs for schools civic and social groups and industrial
groups.
[Amended by Ord. No. 8-80]
A.
Graduation from high school or an equivalency diploma.
B.
A thorough knowledge of codes and laws. The Fire Marshal must have
a detailed, thorough knowledge of the local code he enforces and general
familiarity with the relevant provisions of the local zoning code.
The Fire Marshal shall be licensed as a Fire Protection Subcode Official
pursuant to the authority of the State Uniform Construction Code Act[1] and regulations promulgated thereunder.
[Amended 12-27-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-41]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.
C.
A thorough knowledge of the basic principles of fire prevention,
fire protection and fire-fighting problems, techniques of equipment,
fire exits, fire protection equipment and fire detection and alarm
systems.
D.
A thorough knowledge of the proper procedures used in making inspections
and reinspections for compliance with the local fire prevention codes.
E.
Knowledge of the legal steps involved in the prosecution of violators
of the fire prevention codes at both municipal and higher court levels.
F.
Knowledge of the nature and types of housing conditions in various
sections of the community so he may organize his inspection program
accordingly; the community itself, as it relates to topography, water
system, location of high hazard areas, etc.
G.
Thorough knowledge of the method of achieving and maintaining liaison
with relevant inspection agencies and health, welfare and relocation
agencies so as to assure their continuing cooperation on those aspects
of this work for which he requires their assistance.
H.
Ability to recognize hazardous conditions in other code enforcement
specialty areas to the extent of being able to refer them to the proper
authority.
I.
Ability to analyze and interpret the housing and fire prevention
codes.
J.
Must be familiar with necessary inspection tools.
K.
Ability to read building plans.
L.
Ability to work harmoniously with other municipal department heads.
M.
Ability to take a firm stand where necessary.
N.
Ability to perform thorough inspections and investigations.
O.
Ability to prepare clear, concise and accurate reports and maintain
records.
P.
Ability to act as a witness in court.
Q.
Ability to speak effectively before community groups.
[Amended by Ord. No. 8-80; 12-27-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-41]
The Fire Marshal shall report to the Borough Administrator.
[Amended by Ord. No. 8-80; Ord. No. 1987-8]
