Editor's Note: Prior ordinance history includes portions of 1972 Code §§ 65-4, 66-11-66-4, 66-6, 99-8, 99-11 — 99-14 and Ordinance Nos. 927, 1239, 1354 and 1512-90.
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2]
Sections 18-1 through 18-10 shall be known as the "Fire Prevention Code of the Borough of Manasquan."
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2]
The New Jersey Uniform Code, N.J.A.C. 5:7, 5:71, 5:72, 5:73 and 5:75 et seq., and all amendments and supplements thereto, is adopted by the Borough of Manasquan ("Borough") for the purpose of establishing a system for the enforcement of minimum fire safety standards throughout the Borough as mandated by the State of New Jersey, so as to improve the safety of the public by promoting the control of fire hazards. The standards, rules and regulations set forth in the Code shall be and the same are hereby incorporated in this chapter, three copies of which have been and are now on file in the office of the Borough Clerk.
The Borough shall recognize and hereby adopts the standards of the National Fire Protection Association Code and supplements and amendments thereto, which the Bureau of Fire Prevention may refer to in the enforcement of this chapter. The above- referenced codes are incorporated herein as if set forth in length.
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2]
Pursuant to Section 203 of the Uniform Fire Safety Act (P.L. 1983, c 383; N.J.S.A. 52:27D-203), this chapter shall be enforced by the Board of Fire Commissioners of Manasquan Fire District #1, County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey, which shall be known for the purposes of the Act as the Bureau of Fire Prevention. A Bureau of Fire Prevention shall herein be established within the Board to enforce the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the codes and regulations under it in all buildings, structures and premises within the Borough of Manasquan, other than owner-occupied one-family and two-family dwellings, and shall faithfully comply with the requirements of the Uniform Fire Code. In addition, the Bureau of Fire Prevention shall be charged with the duties and enforcement of such other ordinances and rules and regulations that pertain to fire prevention and control. The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall carry out periodic inspections of life-hazard uses required by the Uniform Fire Code on behalf of the Commissioner of Community Affairs. The Bureau shall be under the supervision and control of the Board of Fire Commissioners of Manasquan Fire District #1 or such other officers as they may designate. Funds that may be necessary to support the operation of the Bureau, shall be raised by the Board of Fire Commissioners in the manner prescribed by law. Pursuant to the Uniform Fire Code, the Bureau shall be operated by a Fire Official herein known as the "Fire Official," and enforcement and support personnel under his/her supervision having the minimum qualifications and certifications set forth under the Uniform Fire Code. The salary of the Fire Official, Fire Prevention Specialists and other personnel employed by the Bureau shall be to the extent permitted by law, established by the Board of Fire Commissioners. The annual budget for the operation of the Fire Prevention Bureau shall be established by the Board of Fire Commissioners. The Board of Fire Commissioners shall have the authority to appoint, promote and terminate personnel within the Bureau, but each person so terminated, shall be afforded the opportunity to be heard by the Commissioners, consistent with recognized standards of due process.
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2]
It shall be unlawful to engage in any business activity involving the handling, storage or use of hazardous substances, materials or devices; or to maintain, store or handle materials; to conduct processes which produce conditions hazardous to life or property; to install equipment used in connection with such activities; or to establish a place of assembly without first obtaining a permit from the Fire Official. Permits shall be obtained from the Bureau of Fire Prevention for any of those activities listed in N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.27 and any amendments or supplements thereto. The fee for said permits shall be established in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.9(c) and any amendments and supplements thereto.
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2; Ord. No. 2180-15]
a. 
In addition to the inspections and fees required pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the regulations of the Department of Community Affairs, the following registration, inspection and fees shall be required. All required fees shall be paid by the business owner.
b. 
For the purpose of this chapter, all business, mercantile, storage, factory, or industrial uses shall be defined pursuant to the current edition of the International Building Code and New Jersey Uniform Fire Code adopted by the State of New Jersey, and shall be subject to inspection and annual fee as outlined yearly. The fees shall be as stated in Chapter 16, Fees.
c. 
For all uses defined as business under this chapter wherein there are two or more utilizing common areas or facilities within the building, the owner of the building shall be subject to a fee for the common area.
d. 
Where two or more of the same uses or different uses exist at the same building or on the same premises, each use shall be considered as separate and distinct for purpose of this chapter and shall be registered pursuant thereto, with the exception that, where two or more of the same uses or different uses exist at the same building or on the same premises, all of which are under common ownership, the highest same or different uses shall be registered at full fee with the other use registered at 1/2 the scheduled fee per use.
e. 
All multiple family dwellings where as herein defined shall be classified as Type 8 use and shall be subject to registration and fees as set forth herein with the exception that the full fee shall be paid for only one structure, with the remaining structures subject to a fee of 1/2 of that set forth for other Type 8 uses. Inspections of multiple family dwellings shall include, but not limited to, common areas, basements, laundry rooms, corridors, vestibules which are accessible to occupants, with the exclusion of the dwelling units therein. The buildings' owner shall be responsible for payment of all fees.
f. 
All uses as set forth under this section shall be inspected annually and subject to the registration and fees set forth herein.
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2; Ord. No. 2180-15]
a. 
The Bureau shall review any site or subdivision plan for the purpose of fire prevention, as to the location and size of fire lanes, zones and areas, water mains, drafting locations, fire hydrants, and any other such information as the Board of Fire Commissioners and/or their designated agents may deem necessary or be required. The submission of plans to the Bureau shall include any plans submitted to the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment for the development, construction or improvement of properties in the Borough of Manasquan. The reviews shall include, but not limited to, any construction or improvement of any use group, as defined in Chapter 3 of the latest edition of the International Building Code adopted by the State of New Jersey, as amended. Prior to the issuance of any building permit, the above projects must receive Bureau approval.
b. 
Each applicant shall pay the fees as stated in Chapter 16, Fees, to the Bureau of Fire Prevention for review of any site or subdivision plans.
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2]
a. 
Whenever it is deemed necessary for public safety, the Bureau and/or their designated agents may require the owners or operators of any uses in Sections 18-5 and 18-6, all life-hazard uses or other similar uses, to designate fire zones at entrances, loading doors or access ways to said premises and fire lanes in driveways leading from the street to the fire zones, as well as drafting locations. The size of the fire zone, fire lanes and/or drafting locations shall be set at the discretion of the Bureau and/or its designated agents based upon the size of property and other such facts as the Bureau deems necessary. A diagram demonstrating the proper manner of painting and lettering of fire zones and fire lanes shall be made available by the Bureau or its designated agents. All line striping and lettering shall be legible at all times. A metal fire zone or fire lane sign shall be provided, erected, and maintained by the owner or operator of the property and shall be placed and directed by the Bureau and/or its designated agents. A diagram of a fire zone or fire land shall be made available by the Bureau and/or its designated agents.
b. 
No person shall, at any time, park a motor vehicle, locate a garbage dumpster or in any other manner obstruct a fire zone or fire lane, drafting locations of fire area or park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, whether or not that motor vehicle is occupied or the motor running. If at any time, due to weather conditions, vandalism or any extenuating circumstances, one of the following fire zone or fire lane signs or fire zone or fire lane surface markings are not visible, the remaining markings or signs visible shall be deemed sufficient to provide notice of the existence of such fire zone or fire lane. If the Bureau determines that existing fire zone, fire lane and/or drafting locations signs have not been properly marked or delineated and/or proper documentation of said markings is not on file, new markings as outlined in this section may be required. All drafting locations as required hereunder shall be constructed, designated and maintained as per the diagram available from the Bureau.
c. 
The Bureau of Fire Prevention and/or its designated agents are authorized to tow motor vehicles and remove all obstructions from any fire zone, fire lane, fire area or drafting locations. The Bureau and/or its designated agents are also authorized to tow motor vehicles and remove obstructions parked or standing within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. All motor vehicles and other obstructions which are removed pursuant to this section may be stored in a storage area approved by the Bureau, its designated agents or the Manasquan Police Department. The cost of removal and storage shall be charged to the owner of the vehicle or other obstruction, and the charge shall be paid prior to release of said vehicle or obstruction. The Bureau and/or its designated agents shall give notice to the owner of the motor vehicle or obstruction, if the owner can be identified, within 24 hours after removal of the vehicle or obstruction.
d. 
The Fire Prevention Bureau Fire Official, Fire Prevention Specialists and the Manasquan Police Department shall have concurrent jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the section of this chapter. For any summons issued by the Bureau of Fire Prevention, the fines shall be dedicated to the Bureau of Fire Prevention by an interlocal service agreement for the enforcement of the code, and court costs associated and dedicated to the Manasquan Municipal Court. The fees are to be reimbursed to the Bureau on a quarterly basis.
e. 
In the event that a designated fire lane, fire zone or fire area has been previously approved and marked accordingly and properly documented as existing, the area shall be deemed as having met the intent of the code and shall be subject to the penalties section of this chapter, if otherwise not maintained or obstructed.
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2]
a. 
Rapid Entry System Required. The Fire Official shall require a key box to be installed in an accessible location where immediate access is necessary to verify the existence of a fire or other emergency in buildings equipped with or required to be equipped with fire detection and/or fire suppression systems or elevator equipment. The building's owner shall be responsible for compliance. The key box will be of a U.L. type (Knox-Box®) and shall contain keys necessary to access areas, and shall be installed in a manner approved by the Manasquan Fire Prevention Bureau's Fire Official. Compliance shall be required within 60 days of written notice of violation. Control of the master key release for the key boxes shall be placed in the control of the Manasquan Police Department.
b. 
False Alarms.
1. 
(F-504.1). Any property containing a fire sprinkler alarm or a fire alarm system shall not have activated more than three false fire alarms in any one calendar year. Any activations of four or more false alarms in said calendar year shall be deemed to have violated this section and shall be subject to penalties and additional action as required.
2. 
False fire alarms; definition (F-502.1). An alarm which results in notification to the Fire Department for causes other than those for which the system was designated or intended to react. The alarm shall not be considered to be false if caused by a power or telephone line interruption.
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2]
a. 
Anyone who obstructs a fire zone, fire lane, fire area, drafting or pumping station or fire hydrant with a motor vehicle in violation of Section 18-7 of this chapter shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $100 for each offense.
b. 
The owner of a garbage dumpster or other obstruction located in a designated fire zone, fire lane, fire area, or drafting/pumping locations within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, in violation of 18-7 A, B and C of this chapter, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 per day.
c. 
Any person or corporation violating any other provision of this chapter, failing to comply with any order made pursuant to this chapter or building in violation of plans and specifications submitted to the Fire Prevention Bureau and/or its designated agents and approved pursuant to the terms of this chapter shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 per day.
d. 
Any penalties under the Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:57-1) shall be adopted for the purpose of enforcement against any person or persons, firm, partnership or corporation violating any of the provisions of the code other than the violation of fire zone, fire lane, and fire area regulations as herein set forth except the sanctions specified in paragraph c above.
[Ord. No. 2040-08 § 2]
Any owner or operator of a building or property affected by the provisions issued pursuant to the Uniform Fire Code, who shall disagree with the determination of the Fire Prevention Bureau and/or its designated agents shall have the right of appeal in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.19 entitled "Appeals."
Fire District Established
[1972 Code § 11-36.1A; Ord. No. 1482]
a. 
The Borough is presently served by two volunteer fire companies, Manasquan Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and Volunteer Engineer Company No. 2.
b. 
A petition signed by at least 5% of the registered voters of the municipality has been served upon the Municipal Clerk pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-70. The purpose of this section is to designate a territorial location for use as a fire district as required by Statute.
[1972 Code § 11-36.1B; Ord. No. 1482]
There is hereby created Fire District No. 1, the boundaries of which shall consist of all of the property within the corporate limits of the Borough.
[1972 Code § 11-36.1C; Ord. No. 1482]
The Commissioners and their successors shall be a corporate body known as "The Commissioners of Fire District No. 1 in the Borough of Manasquan, County of Monmouth." This body corporate shall have the power to acquire, hold, lease, sell or otherwise convey in its corporate name, such real and personal property as the purposes of the corporation shall require. All sales and leases of real and personal property shall be in accordance with the provisions of the "Local Lands and Buildings Law," N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1 et seq. This body corporate shall have the authority to adopt and use a corporate seal, sue or be sued, and shall have such powers, duties and functions as are usual and necessary for its purposes.
Establishment of the Fire Department
Editor's Note: See subsections 2-65.7 and 2-65.8 for exemptions from certain fees for certain members of the volunteer fire companies and first aid squad.
[1972 Code § 11-2]
The Fire Department, its officers and members shall be under the supervision and control of this Council.
[1972 Code § 11-3]
The Fire Department shall consist of one Fire Chief, one Assistant Fire Chief, the fire companies already organized and accepted by Council, and as many engine, hose and hook and ladder companies as the Council may deem necessary.
[1972 Code § 114; Ord. No. 902]
The fire companies already organized and accepted under this section are as follows:
a. 
Manasquan Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, which shall consist of not more than 60 active members.
b. 
Volunteer Engine Company No. 2, which shall consist of not more than 60 active members.
[1972 Code § 11-5]
Additional companies shall be organized whenever Council shall deem it necessary; provided, however, that no company shall be organized without having first obtained the consent of Council thereto.
[1972 Code § 11-6; Ord. No. 1392]
No person shall be eligible for active membership in the Fire Department unless he is 18 years of age or over and capable of performing active service in the Department.
[1972 Code § 11-41; Ord. No. 1614]
a. 
Manasquan Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and Volunteer Engine Company No. 2 accept persons for membership subject to compliance with established criteria.
b. 
N.J.S.A. 15:8-1.1 provides that persons convicted of certain offenses are ineligible for membership in a volunteer fire company.
c. 
In the course of firefighters performing their duties, they have access to homes and businesses in the community.
d. 
Volunteer fire companies need to have access to State criminal history records from the Division of State Police/State Bureau of Identification in order to implement and administer their duties.
[1972 Code § 11-42; Ord. No. 1614]
This section is enacted pursuant to Title 40 of the New Jersey Statutes to promote the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of Manasquan and to implement the provisions of N.J.S.A. 15:8-1.1.
[1972 Code § 11-43; Ord. No. 1614]
For the purpose of this section, membership in a volunteer fire company means membership organized pursuant to Title 15 or 15A of the Revised Statutes of the State of New Jersey, membership in a volunteer company or similar organization constituted in a fire district pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-70.1, membership in a junior firefighter's auxiliary established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-95, or nonpaid membership in a part-time fire department or force established pursuant to Chapter 14 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes.
[1972 Code § 11-44; Ord. No. 1614]
Any person desiring membership in a volunteer fire company shall complete an application, in writing, and file it with the volunteer fire company. The following information shall be provided by the applicant:
a. 
Name;
b. 
Permanent address;
c. 
Date of birth;
d. 
Social Security number;
e. 
Any conviction of a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1 (aggravated arson, arson, failure to control or report a dangerous fire, or directly or indirectly paying or accepting any form of consideration for the purpose of starting a fire or explosion);
f. 
Any conviction of a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:33-3 (causing a false public alarm);
g. 
Any conviction or a violation of any other crime or disorderly persons violation;
h. 
All other information the volunteer fire company deems relevant except such information which does not have to be disclosed as a matter of law.
[1972 Code § 11-45; Ord. No. 1614]
The volunteer fire company shall provide a copy of the application to the Chief of Police who shall conduct an investigation to ascertain the truth of the statements made by the applicant and such other information as the Chief of Police deems necessary for the protection of the community. If the investigation determines that the applicant has been convicted of a violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a, b, c or d, N.J.S.A. 2C:33-3 or any other crime or disorderly persons violation, or the investigation reveals information indicating the applicant may be a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the community, the Chief of Police shall report this information to the volunteer fire company.
[1972 Code § 11-46; Ord. No. 1614]
The applicant shall submit to fingerprinting as part of the background investigation, and the Chief of Police is authorized to submit the applicant's fingerprint card and receive State criminal history record information from the Division of State Police/State Bureau of Identification.
[1972 Code § 11-47; Ord. No. 1614]
This section is intended to make the volunteer fire company an authorized agency as defined by N.J.A.C. 13:59-1.1.
[1972 Code § 11-48; Ord. No. 1614]
The investigation by the Chief of Police shall be completed within 30 days of receipt of the application and the fingerprinting of applicant.
[1972 Code § 11-36]
All persons applying for active membership in the fire companies of this Department shall be investigated by the trustees of the company to which they apply or a committee of three chosen by the President of the Company. It shall be the duty of the committee to report its findings and recommendation to a general membership of the company at a regular meeting. If a majority of the members present vote in favor of an applicant's admission, he shall be admitted as a probationary fireman for a period of one year. During this probationary period, the applicant shall be observed by one active member and two line officers chosen by the President, who shall, at the end of the probationary period, recommend to the membership whether or not the applicant shall be admitted as a full and active member. If a majority of the members present at a regular meeting vote for the applicant's admission as a regular active member, he shall thereafter serve as such. All applicants for membership in the Fire Department shall be fingerprinted and photographed and shall carry an identification card at all times while on duty as fireman or probationary fireman.
[1972 Code § 11-7]
Upon the election of any person to active membership in any of the companies mentioned, the Secretary of such company shall transmit to the Council at its first meeting in each month the name of such newly elected member, accompanied by a certificate signed by such member stating that:
a. 
The member is a legal voter of the Borough;
b. 
Is capable of performing active service in the Fire Department;
c. 
Will faithfully perform the duties imposed upon him as a firefighter to the best of his ability; and
d. 
Will obey his superior officers and in all respects conduct himself as becomes a firefighter while on duty; and
e. 
If the same be approved by Council, it shall be entered in a book to be kept for that purpose, which book shall contain the name of the person elected and the date of his admission.
[1972 Code § 11-8]
On or before the first day of January of each year, the Secretary of each company shall furnish to the Fire Chief a correct list of all members of his company, which list the Fire Chief shall file with the Municipal Clerk before the next ensuing meeting of Council.
[1972 Code § 11-8]
The management of the different companies shall be according to the rules and bylaws adopted by them, subject, however, to such rules as may be passed by the Council for the government of the Fire Department.
[1972 Code § 11-10]
The management and control of the Fire Department shall be under the Fire Chief.
[1]
Editor's Note: For provisions regarding Fire District No. 1 established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-70, see Section 18-10, "Fire District No. 1."
[1972 Code § 11-11]
No apparatus belonging to the Fire Department shall be removed from or permitted to leave the Borough without the consent either of the Fire Chief or the Assistant Fire Chief, or, in their absence, the next line officer, in response to a call for aid at a fire in a neighboring community and for other events. The officer in charge of the Department shall have the power to assign the equipment in response to calls for outside aid. However, at all times at least one pumper truck and one other fire truck must remain in the Borough.
[1972 Code § 11-12]
The Fire Chief and one Assistant Fire Chief shall be elected for a two year term by a plurality of votes of all duly qualified firemen. Such election shall be held in the place of meeting of the joint companies belonging to the Fire Department on the second Monday of December, except when the date falls on a legal holiday, the election shall be held on the following Monday, the polls opening at 8:00 p.m. and closing at 9:00 p.m., and a statement of the results of such election, with a list of names of the members of the company who voted at such election, properly certified by the President and Secretary, shall be delivered to the Borough Council at its next regular meeting held after election, and the Council shall canvass the returns of the election and declare the result and the persons so declared to be elected as Fire Chief and Assistant Chief, who shall hold office for two years commencing on the first day of January next following their election.
[1972 Code § 11-13]
No person shall be eligible for the Office of Fire Chief or of Assistant Fire Chief who has not served as an active firefighter in this Department for five years next preceding his appointment.
[1972 Code § 11-14; New]
The Fire Chief shall in all cases of fire have sole and absolute control and command over the Assistant Fire Chief and other persons of the Fire Department, and it shall be his duty to direct the other officers to take proper measures that the several fire apparatus be arranged in advantageous situations and be duly worked for the effectual extinguishment of fires. In the absence of the Fire Chief, the Assistant Fire Chief shall perform the duties of the Fire Chief, and in the absence of the Assistant Fire Chief, the captain or foreman first present shall perform the duties of the Fire Chief, until the arrival of a superior officer, to the intent that the superior officer present shall always be in command. The Fire Chief shall examine quarterly the fire engines, hose carts, trucks, ladders, fire buckets and all other property belonging to the Fire Department and when any part thereof shall need to be repaired or replaced, he shall report the fact immediately to the Fire Commissioners.
[1972 Code § 11-15]
The Fire Chief shall order and cause the several fire companies or such member or members thereof as he may designate to work and wash the fire apparatus, drill or appear for inspection at such time and place as he may designate and whenever he may deem it necessary for the efficiency of the Fire Department.
[1972 Code § 11-16]
The Fire Chief shall have power to suspend from duty for such time as he shall adjudge proper, not to exceed more than one year, any officer or member of the fire company for disobedience of his orders or of the orders of any officers in command when on duty or for any neglect of duty or violation of this chapter. Such notice of suspension shall be in writing and be served upon the person or persons so removed, and such notice of suspension shall contain a statement of the charges or causes of suspension.
[1972 Code § 11-17; Ord. No. 1131]
The Fire Chief shall annually appoint members from each company as a fire patrol or police, which persons, when certified to the Council and by it duly accepted and invested with authority therefor, shall, in addition to such other duties as may be required of them, preserve order and protect property from pillage and wanton destruction during the time of a fire and prevent unauthorized persons from trespassing upon burning premises and from interfering in any way with the firemen and fire service, and any such fire patrol or police shall have power to arrest during the time of a fire and detain in custody any person found committing depredation or interfering by action with the firemen when on duty or with the fire service or apparatus, and, in the performance of their duties, they shall act in conjunction with the Fire Chief and the Assistant Fire Chief and the duly authorized Police Officers of the Borough.
[1972 Code § 11-18]
The Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief shall attend all fires within the corporate limits and are hereby empowered and required to take charge of any building or buildings which may be on fire, to admit only so many and such persons not firemen to such building or buildings as they shall think necessary, to aid in the extinguishment of the fire and preservation of all goods and to give orders for and to superintend the removal of all goods and the preservation of all endangered property. They may lawfully enter and examine any building, place, vehicle or vessel where any gunpowder or other explosive or inflammable material may be lodged. The Fire Chief or Assistant Fire Chief may direct the removal or securing of any such material or materials, and in case the possessor or possessors of same neglect or refuse to comply with such directions, the party or parties so refusing or neglecting shall, on due conviction thereof, be punished for a violation of this section as hereinafter provided.
[1972 Code § 11-19]
The Fire Chief shall report in writing to the Borough Council all accidents at fires that may happen in the Borough, with causes thereof as well as can be ascertained, and the numbers and description of the buildings destroyed or injured, with the names of the owners thereof. The Fire Chief shall also annually report in writing to the Borough Council all fires of every description.
[1972 Code § 11-20]
Any member of the Fire Department transferring the keys of the building in which the apparatus is kept shall be suspended from the Department for one year. During the period of such suspension, the party shall not be permitted to enter any building under the control of the Fire Department.
[1972 Code § 11-21]
It shall be the duty of the officers and members of the several companies, whenever a fire shall break out within the limits of the Borough, to repair forthwith to their respective apparatus and convey same in a safe and orderly manner to the place where the fire may be and, in conformity to the direction of the officer in command, exert themselves in performing every duty required of them by the officer and, upon the permission of the officer, shall, in an orderly and quiet manner, return the apparatus to their respective places of deposit.
[1972 Code § 11-22]
Any officer or member of the Department who shall move from the Borough shall thereupon be reported to the Council. Any such officer or member so moving shall cease to be a member.
[1972 Code § 11-24]
All reports and communications to the Borough Council and all requisitions shall be made through the Fire Chief.
[1972 Code § 11-27]
It shall be the duty of the officers of the Department to promptly report any violation of this section to the Fire Chief.
[1972 Code § 11-30]
It shall be the duty of the Fire Chief, either personally or through those acting under and for him, to investigate and examine into the cause, circumstance and reason of any fire by which any building, vessel or other property shall be burned, either wholly or partially. Upon evidence of incendiarism, the Fire Chief shall reduce his findings to writing and shall submit such report, together with the names and addresses of any witnesses, to the Chief of Police.
[1972 Code § 11-37]
a. 
A Bureau of Instruction in the Fire Department is hereby established.
b. 
The Chief and Assistant Chief of the Fire Department of the Borough shall be the Chief and Assistant Chief, respectively, of the Bureau of Instruction. The Foreman and the Chief Engineer of each company of the Fire Department shall be the instructors of the Bureau of Instruction.
c. 
The Chief, Assistant Chief and instructors of the Bureau shall receive no compensation for their services as such.
[1972 Code § 11-38]
a. 
The Chief of the Bureau shall cause to be held drills for all members of the Fire Department at least once in each month and more often when he deems necessary for the purpose of instructing firefighters in the use and handling of firefighting equipment and the prevention and extinguishment of fires.
b. 
The Assistant Chief and Instructors of the Bureau shall assist the Chief and act under his direction in the instruction of firefighters. In the absence of the Chief, the Assistant Chief of the Bureau shall assume all the duties of the Chief.
c. 
All members of the Fire Department shall attend to the best of their ability and when in attendance shall be obedient to the Chief and the Instructors and exert their best efforts in becoming familiar with their duties as firefighters.
d. 
The Chief of the Bureau shall notify in writing the proper officer of each company of the Fire Department, at least five days in advance, of the time and place of each drill. The officer receiving such notice shall transmit such notice to all members of his company, allowing ample time for each member to arrange to be present at the drills. All such notices may be made by post office mail.
e. 
The Chief of the Bureau shall keep an accurate record of all drills and enter the same in the record of the Fire Department. He shall also keep a detailed record of attendance of members at drills and enter such upon his annual report on members.
f. 
The Chief of the Bureau shall report in writing, for action, to the proper officer of their respective company, any insubordination of any physical condition of members which may render them unfit for service as firefighters.
[1972 Code § 11-39; Ord. No. 802]
Instruction of members of the Fire Department shall include all such subjects as will render them an increased familiarity with the purpose and use of firefighting apparatus and appliances, enable them to handle and lay hose in a rapid and efficient manner, the quick raising and moving of hose, handling of streams of water, the use of and proper handling of siamese connections, and the handling and use of ladders. Instructions shall include the changing of hose (2 1/2 inches) on the trucks once in each year and the running of water through all hose at least once in every two months. All other subjects shall be included as the Chief of the Bureau deems advisable to keep members familiar with modern fire-fighting methods.
[1972 Code § 11-40; Ord. No. 636A]
a. 
Active exempt members of the Fire Department who do not attend 10% of fires, regular drills or meetings of their respective companies shall be put on an inactive list.
b. 
Active members who do not attend 30% of fires, regular drills or meetings of their respective companies shall be automatically dropped from their respective companies and the Council of this Borough shall be so notified.