FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do I have to dial 9-1-1? Can't I call the fire station direct and save time? The 9-1-1 emergency system is designed to save valuable seconds. When you dial 9-1-1, the system routes you to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department call taker than to the police or fire desk in the Toms River Communications Center for a dispatcher to send a unit that is closest to your home. Fire stations are not properly equipped to take emergency calls and calling the station directly might get a voice mail system.

What if I am not sure if there is a fire in my home, like an odor but no fire visible, or a spark in an appliance? Do not be embarrassed to call for your Fire Department's assistance. Many TomsRiver firefighters are your neighbors and we are here to serve. Call 9-1-1 and we will help you investigate as it is always better to play it safe.

Will the Fire Department respond if my carbon monoxide detector activates? Yes, but you must place a 9-1-1 call. The fire department will respond to test the air for carbon monoxide. Depending on the time of day or location, a fire officer or engine will respond with a meter to test the air.

Why do so many fire apparatus have to respond? Our goal is to respond to your emergency as quickly as possible. Toms River Fire Department units are dispatched based on pre-determined criteria and according to information received by the call taker. A fire in your home requires more resources than other type fires.

I saw a TomsRiver Fire Truck responding outside of TomsRiver. Why were they doing that? The six companies of the Toms River Fire Department provide "Mutual Aid" response to our neighboring communities when they need our assistance. Some of these communities respond into our town to assist us as well based on call type and location of the call.

Is it okay to burn leaves, grass, or trash in my yard? NO. It is a violation of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code to do open burning. No open burning of any kind is allowed.

A member of my family is disabled. What does he/she do during a fire? Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. The Toms River Police and Fire Departmentsdoes maintain a confidential list of our residents with special needs so that, in case of fire or other emergencies, we can do our best under the circumstances to meet those needs. You can contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (732) 240-5153 to learn more about this valuable and potentially life-saving program.

How do I go about drawing up an escape plan for my home/business? The four basic steps to draw up an escape plan for your home include: 1. Draw a floor-plan of your home; 2. Agree on a meeting place, 3. Practice your escape plan; and 4. Make your exit drill realistic.

Do I need to put a smoke detector in every room? How many do I need? Smoke Detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Current laws also require a smoke detector in each sleeping area. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. For more information, please visit our Fire Prevention Bureau page or call us at (732) 240-5153.

How can I receive a copy of a fire incident report for my insurance company? Have your insurance company contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (732) 240-5153. They will work with your insurance carrier to obtain the proper report.

How do I schedule a smoke detector inspection for the sale of my home? You can click over to the Fire Prevention Bureau page and learn what you need about the resale of your home. You can even download the "Smoke Detector Inspection Form" that contains much information. Or, you can contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (732) 240-5153

I just moved into my home and my insurance company needs to know the distance to the nearest fire hydrant. Most areas of TomsRiver, fire hydrants are located within 800 feet. If there is not one in front of your house, just look down the street or around the corner to locate one. For assistance contact our Fire Prevention Bureau at (732)240-5153.

Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that is broken or needs to be recharged? We do not fill or check extinguishers. Check the YELLOW PAGES under Fire Extinguishers for an authorized service contractor.