Bureau of Fire Prevention

The most effective strategies for fire prevention involve education and thorough preparation. Annual inspections are essential to ensure that facilities adhere to established codes and standards, effectively manage fire risks, and keep fire departments informed about any identified hazards. Regular internal fire safety inspections not only enable organizations to proactively maintain a safe environment but also ensure compliance with fire codes and regulations.

Annual Fire Inspection Application

This application is intended for registering your business with the Bureau of Fire Prevention in the Town of Hammonton. To complete the process, please fill out the form and submit it either by mail or in person at the Municipal Clerk’s Office located on the 3rd floor at Hammonton Town Hall, 100 Central Ave., Hammonton, NJ 08037.

The Uniform Fire Code states: The owner of all businesses, occupancies, buildings, structures, or premises required to be inspected under section 19A.12.1 shall apply annually to the local enforcing Agency for a Certificate of Registration upon forms provided by the Fire Official. It shall be a VIOLATION of this ORDINANCE for any owner to fail to return such forms to the local enforcing agency and/or Fire Official within (30) days of receipt. 19A13.2

System Record of Inspection and Testing Form

This form is to be completed by the inspection and testing contractor at the time of a system test. It shall be permitted to modify this form as needed to provide a more complete and/or clear record. Insert N/A in all unused lines. Attach additional sheets, data, or calculations as necessary to provide a complete record.

Permits Required by the Bureau of Fire Prevention

The following activities and events require a Type 1 Fire Permit: $54.00
Entire Type 1 Permit list available at the link below.

• Any food truck or food setup.
• The use of a multipurpose room in any building, with a maximum occupancy of 100 or more for activities such as entertainment, amusement, or commercial purposes.
• Tents of 900 sq-ft, or greater, either a single tent or a group of tents put together.
• Bonfires and Campfires. You must first get permission from the Local State Forest Fire Warden. This process involves contacting the Local Fire Official to secure the necessary approval.
• Any show involving open flames, fire or pyrotechnics display.
• Any planned overnight sleepover in any public building or place of assembly.

The following applications require a Type 2 Fire Permit: $214.00
Entire Type 2 Permit list available at the link below.

• Fumigation or thermal insecticide fogging.
• Using LP-Gas propane, liquefied petroleum gas or liquefied natural gas, and compressed flammable gas in containers exceeding a 5 pound capacity.
• LP-Gas, or liquefied petroleum gas storage outside of a building as part of a propane filling station cylinder exchange program.

The following applications require a Type 3 Fire Permit: $427.00
Entire Type 3 Permit list available at the link below.

• Any fireworks display or storage there of. State permits will be required for this as well.
• Operation of a industrial processing oven or furnace.
• Any wrecking yard or junk yard.

The following applications require a Type 4 Fire Permit: $641.00
Entire Type 4 Permit list available at the link below.

• Storage or use of more than 2000 cubic feet of flammable compressed gas.
• Storage, handling and processing of flammable, combustible and unstable liquids in closed containers and portable tanks.

NOTE: All permits and their associated fees must be submitted to the Fire Official at least 10 days before the event. It is advisable to consult with the Fire Official regarding payment, as some town-sponsored events may have their fees waived.

Call Fire Official Michael Ruberton at 609-567-4300 Ext. 111 or email mruberton@townofhammonton.org with questions or concerns. Completed permit applications and payments can be dropped off at the Municipal Clerk’s office on the 3rd floor or mailed to:

Hammonton Town Hall
Attn: Fire Official
100 Central Avenue, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Knox Box Information

A Knox Box is a secure, wall-mounted safe that holds keys to a building, enabling the Hammonton Fire Department to access your premises after regular business hours in case of a fire alarm or sprinkler activation.

This system allows for emergency entry without damaging the property, ensuring a swift response during critical situations.

Download: Knox Box Sample Letter

Cooking Fire Safety: Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Winter Fire Safety Tips: Keep Warm and Stay Safe

Forms, Guidelines and Information

Bureau of Fire Prevention

Michael Ruberton
Fire Official

Phone: 609-567-4300 Ext. 111
Email: mruberton@townofhammonton.org

Location: 3rd floor at Hammonton Town Hall
100 Central Avenue, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Hours: Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Download: Winter Holiday Safety Tip Sheet

Winter holidays are a time to gather with family and friends, increasing the risk of home fires. This free resource provides simple tips for a fire-safe holiday season. The tip sheet covers holiday decorating and entertaining, what to do before going to bed, and other facts on holiday safety.

Facts:

• More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.
• More than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

Holiday Decorating:

• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose connections.
• Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Download: Holiday Safety Brochure

As in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan!

Download: Space Heaters Safety Brochure

As energy costs escalate and New Jersey residents look to alternative heating, more and more of them are using space heaters. As a result, so can instances of improper use lead to fire and injury, especially to small children. The most common type of space heater is an electric radiant heater. Many older models have exposed heating elements.

The more commonly sold electric heater today has no exposed heating elements but a self contained heat transfer liquid. Properly maintained, these are among the most reliable space heaters.

Other space heaters use combustion to generate heat, such as kerosene, wood, wood pellet, coal or propane. Each of those type heaters comes with the risk of indoor CO poisoning. CO is deadly byproduct of combustion. If you use a combustion type heater it is imperative to have CO and Smoke Alarms installed in every level of your home.