Contact Information:
Fire Inspector : Kenny Schmertz, 973.378.7715 x7709
Fire Official: Anthony Grenci, 973.378.7715 x7703

The Fire Prevention Bureau was created to enforce the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs created this Code so that there would be standard regulations by which all Communities would follow to assure public safety. The Township of South Orange Village also uses the Fire Prevention Bureau as a public information system to educate all our citizens and visitors in fire safety. 

The Fire Prevention Bureau has the responsibility and authority to enter, investigate and perform routine fire inspections of all buildings, structures, and properties in the Township of South Orange Village with the exception of owner-occupied detached one and two-family dwellings used exclusively for dwelling purposes as required by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. All Commercial properties, Business and Apartment-Multi Dwelling must register and be inspected yearly with the Fire Bureau.

The Fire Prevention Bureau is also responsible to make sure that each time there is a change of occupancy in a residence the Seller or Landlord complies with the current laws on smoke detector and Carbon monoxide detector compliance. It is our responsibility to enforce the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and other local fire safety regulations. This includes the inspection of all Life Hazard Use Properties as defined by Uniform Fire Code such as:

• Auto Repair/Auto Body Shops
• Daycare Facilities
• Gas Stations
• Large Retail Operations
• Nursing Homes
• Places of Assembly
• Schools, etc.

This includes the inspection of all Non-Life Hazard businesses, offices, and multi-family residences and other structures in the Township of South Orange Village. Additional duties of the Bureau of Fire Prevention include:

• The certification of smoke detectors/carbon monoxide alarms for the resale of private homes
• Fire investigations
• Investigating complaints
• Issuance of fire safety permits
• Issuance of violation notices and penalty notices for failure to comply with the law and Fire Prevention
  Week activities