SMOKE\CARBON MONOXIDE APPLICATION

Introduction

Effective January, 1988, the Gloucester Township Fire Departments Bureau of Fire Prevention became the sole agent for the smoke detector inspections in all one and two family dwellings in Gloucester Township. In April of 2003, the State passed laws mandating Carbon Monoxide Detectors in the areas of the bedrooms. Additionally, in November of 2005, State Legislation again passed a law requiring the installation of a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area of the dwelling. These inspections are required under State Law N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3, N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19, N.J.A.C. 52:27D-198.1 and Municipal Ordinance Chapter 10A, Section II.
Another Municipal Ordinance requires house numbers on the front of the property, in contrasting colors and 4 inches high.

Who Must Comply

As a property owner of a one or two family home, the State Law and Local Ordinance will require you to have your property inspected for smoke detector/s, carbon monoxide detector/s (CO), and a fire extinguisher compliance under the following conditions: 1. If you sell your dwelling which includes a single family home, condo or townhouse, and there is a change of ownership. 2. If you own a single family home, condo or townhouse and use it as a rental property, you must get a certification each time you change tenants.

How Many Do I Need?

The National Fire Protection Associations standard on Household Fire Warning Equipment, minimum protection, requires operating smoke detectors outside each bedroom and on each level of the dwelling. If all the bedrooms are on one level and off a hallway, then a smoke detector can be installed in the common hallway. A carbon monoxide detector can also be installed in that hallway. However, if separate bedrooms are located in other portions of the dwelling then additional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors will be required. A fire extinguisher no smaller than 1A:10B:C and no larger than 10lbs. is required for the kitchen area.

Where and How Should Smoke Detectors Be Installed?

Because smoke and combustible gases rise, a smoke detector should be mounted high on a wall or on a ceiling. This high mounting will allow a smoke detector to detect the first traces of smoke. Smoke detectors that are mounted on walls should be at least 4 inches but no more than 8 inches down from the ceiling. Smoke detectors installed on the ceiling should be at least 4 inches from the walls or corners. Smoke detectors should be no more than 10 feet from bedroom areas. For the resale inspection and certification, there should be one smoke detector on each level of the dwelling, including the basement.

Where Should the Carbon Monoxide Detector Be Installed?

There are two types of carbon monoxide detectors available. Electric and battery. Because the carbon monoxide detector must be located in the area of the bedrooms, an electric detector can be installed if your dwelling has an electrical outlet in the hallway. If not, then the battery detector can be installed on the ceiling or wall as per the manufactures recommendations. Also, as the smoke detectors, if there are any remotely located bedrooms located in other areas of the dwelling or on other levels, then additional carbon monoxide detectors will be needed.

Where Should The Fire Extinguisher Be Installed?

The brackets supplied by the manufacturer must be used to hang the extingusiher no more than 5ft. above the floor and within 10ft. of the kitchen area leading to a travel way providing an escape to the exterior of the dwelling. Access to the fire extinguisher must not be hindered or blocked by furniture, storage equipment, or other items. It must be visible and installed so the maintenance and operation instructions are clearly readable.

Battery or Electric Detectors

If the dwelling was originally constructed with electric smoke detectors then electric detectors must be utilized during this inspection. If the property was constructed prior to 1977, then battery operated detectors are acceptable. If at any time the dwelling was upgraded with electric smoke detectors, then this detection system must be utilized at time of inspection. Any electric detector can not be substituted with a battery detector. Monitored alarm systems must be tested and certified by a licensed contractor.

How Do I Arrange To Have My Property Inspected?

To have your property inspected for the change of ownership or change of tenant, mail, fax or email a completed application to the Fire District either where the property is located or the Fire District that is assuming those responsibilities as indicated below. The proper Fire District for the property can be located on your real estate tax bill. A check or money order should be made payable to "GTFD4". Please allow sufficient time for mail, processing and scheduling of the inspection prior to settlement or tenant moving in.

Residential Smoke Detector Application

Residents of Fire District #4, Gloucester Township, can download and complete the application for a Residential Smoke Detector Inspection prior to the resale or rental of one (1) and two (2) family, owner occupied dwellings. Applications can be dropped off at the Fire District Office, located at 14 W. Central Avenue, Monday thru Thursday between the hours of 8 AM and 4:15 PM. For afterhours, a dropbox is located next to the front door.

Fees (Based on Business Days)

Applications received 10-30 days prior to settlement $45.00

Applications received 4-9 days prior to settlement $90.00

Applications received less than 4 days prior to settlement $161.00

Re-Inspection fee (assessed after two failed attempts) $35.00

Gloucester Township District Fire Officials

Fire District #1 - Glendora

Harry Woods, Fire Official
P.O. Box 38
Glendora, N.J. 08029
Phone #: 856-939-1177
Fax #: 856-939-6696

Fire District #2 - Chews Landing

Kenneth Young, Fire Official
43 Somerdale Rd.
Blackwood, N.J. 08012
Phone #: 856-282-3370 ext. 124
Fax #: 856-228-9007

Fire District #3 - Blenheim

NJ Division of Fire Safety
Trenton, N.J. 08625
Phone #: 609-633-6106

Fire District #4 - Blackwood

Peter J. Urso, Fire Official
P.O. Box 541
Blackwood, N.J. 08012
Phone #: 856-227-7731
Fax #: 856-227-2494

Fire District #5 - Lambs Terrace

Steven Schwegel, Fire Official
1781 Sicklerville Rd.
Sicklerville, N.J. 08081
Phone #: 856-227-2343

Fire District #6 - Erial

James Gordon, Fire Official
1946 Williamstown Rd.
Erial, N.J. 08081
Phone #: 856 435-8310