May 31, 2019 - New Jersey Division of Fire Safety F.I.R.E. Bowl Competition Provides Life-Saving Information to Middle School Students in a Fun, Exciting Environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 31, 2019

 Educational Program Blends Quiz Show-Inspired Format with Fire Prevention Awareness

TRENTON, NJ – In an effort to promote fire safety education among middle school students, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Fire Safety joined Kean University earlier this spring in hosting the 2019 Fire Information and Rescue Education (F.I.R.E.) Bowl. 

The F.I.R.E. Bowl is open to 7th and 8th grade students throughout the state, many of whom received their last instruction about fire safety in the early grades of elementary school. As a community risk reduction effort, it seeks to educate participating students in the ways to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from fire. 

The competition mimics television quiz shows and includes questions that go deep into aspects of fire science, fire service history, and the increasing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) component of firefighter training. In fact, the information the students are expected to learn comes directly from the New Jersey firefighter training manual. In addition to the F.I.R.E. Bowl competition, students also experienced a demonstration by Division of Fire Safety arson canines and their handlers and took a tour of the training grounds of the Middlesex Fire Academy where they watched actual firefighter training. 

“This annual event is an engaging way to encourage older students to continue learning about fire safety and what they can do to prevent a fire from happening,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, DCA Commissioner. “We thank our Division of Fire Safety and Kean University for organizing this innovative, nationally acclaimed program every year and we encourage more middle schools to get involved.” 

Students from Helen Fort Middle School in Pemberton Township, Burlington County, secured the title of 2019 state F.I.R.E. Bowl champions against a team from Dwight D. Eisenhower School in Freehold Township, Monmouth County. Although Helen Fort Middle School took the title, both teams in the championship competition on May 10, 2019, at Kean University went home with Kindle Fire tablets. 

In the individual round of competition, Daniel Santos of Nicholas Oresko School in Bayonne, Hudson County, and Nidhi Rajput of Avenel Middle School in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, received first place awards. 

“To see the determination on students’ faces as they answer difficult questions about fire safety and prevention is gratifying. In those moments, we know we are making a difference in these young people’s lives by providing them with information that could save their lives,” said State Fire Marshal and Division of Fire Safety Director Richard Mikutsky. “Really no one loses at the F.I.R.E. Bowl competition since all participating students and their teachers and parents are learning about fire safety.” 

The 14th annual F.I.R.E. Bowl sponsors included Eastern Fire & Safety, Hartz Mountain Industries, Joshua Marcus Group Promotions, and the New Jersey State Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association. 

2019 New Jersey Division of Fire Safety F.I.R.E. Bowl State Champions  

Helen Fort Middle School, Pemberton Township 

Team 

Rachel Hussmann
Ella South
David Baker
Destinee Goodly 

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in New Jersey. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as for implementing community risk reduction strategies and firefighter training programs.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: