New Jersey Forest Fire Service
DIVISION: Parks and Forestry
GENERAL PHONE NUMBER: (609) 292-2977
FAX NUMBER: (609) 984-0378
WEB SITE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is responsible for the protection of life, property and natural resources from wildfire in the rural and suburban portions of the state. In addition to suppressing wildfires, the agency is responsible for the prevention of wildfires, the training of wildland firefighters and local fire departments and the mitigation of wildfires through the administration of a comprehensive prescribed burning and wildfire hazard mitigation program. In addition, the service enforcements the State Forest Fire Laws and promotes a wildfire education program that fosters firewise awareness for residents and visitors of forested areas.
The Forest Fire Service assists local communities with the development of community wildfire defense plans and wildfire preparedness planning, and the implementation of firewise principles and practices. Furthermore, the service aids in the training of local firefighters in preparing for wildfires in their community and assisting with the coordination of hazard mitigation and prescribed burning initiatives.
MONETARY ASSISTANCE PROVIDED:
Community Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program is a New Jersey Forest Fire Service grant program that delivers National Fire Plan funding directly to organizations on a local level. The National Fire Plan was initiated by Congress in 2000 in order to develop a coherent strategy to protect Americans from wildfire. The Program will assist in improving wildfire protection and preparedness capabilities, increasing community wildfire awareness and education, and provide assistance to local fire agencies. In addition the Program will assist in reestablishing ecosystems after wildfires, reducing excessive fuel accumulations in and around communities and provide economic development opportunities
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service will provide reimbursement of up to $5,000 spent by a qualifying organization on approved projects that help meet the above listed objectives through a 50/50 cost share program. For a reimbursement application package, visit
Volunteer Fire Assistance Program is a U.S. Forest Service grant program administered by all 50 state forest fire protection agencies to provide funding to organize, train, and equip fire departments in rural communities and rural areas. The goals of the program include organizing, training, and equipping fire departments in rural areas and communities, assisting qualifying fire departments in saving lives and property. Other goals are preventing or reducing the loss of life, protecting financial investments and enhancing environmental quality, as well as increasing the opportunity of rural fire departments to acquire training and current fire prevention techniques
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service will provide reimbursement to qualifying fire departments on approved expenditures through a 50/50 cost share program. For a reimbursement application package, visit .
Federal Excess Personal Property Program refers to equipment owned by the U.S. Forest Service that is loaned to State Foresters through a cooperative agreement for the purpose of wildland and rural firefighting. The equipment further may be loaned by the State Forester, through the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, to local fire companies. Local fire companies must have a written cooperative agreement in place with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service in order to receive any equipment. State Foresters and the United States Forest Service have mutually participated in this program since 1956.
Since this is a loan program, ownership of all Federal Excess Personal Property transferred to and used by local fire companies remains with the federal government. Equipment obtained through this program is on loan for as long as the local fire company has a need for it. Federal Excess Personal Property that is no longer useful or economical to maintain must be returned to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service for disposal by the federal government.
For a copy of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Federal Excess Personal Property Cooperator Handbook that contains additional program information, visit our web site.
PERMITTING RESPONSIBILITIES:
The service issues Recreational Fire Permits (free of charge from local Firewarden),
Agricultural Open Burning Permits (charge based on permit type and duration), and
Prescribed Burning Permits (free of charge in conjunction with an approved prescribed burning/hazard reduction plan).
PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE:
None |
