A three-alarm fire tore through a multi-family home in Bayonne on March 6, located at Avenue E off 15th Street. The two-story structure was evacuated after a first-floor resident spotted the blaze in the rear of the building, and firefighters quickly responded to secure the scene.
Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of this fire, but this catastrophic property loss and the displacement of 13 residents is still devastating. Tragic fires like this one can be prevented. Bill A1570 passed in the New Jersey Assembly in January, and the recently introduced Senate bill 2273 would make it mandatory for all newly constructed one- and two-family homes, as well as condominiums and townhomes, to be equipped with fire sprinklers. This legislation would help to reduce the devastating effects of fires like this one, and help protect New Jersey residents in the places where they should feel safest – their homes.
Working smoke detectors and properly installed and maintained fire sprinklers are the only proactive forms of fire protection, mitigating the risk to individuals affected by the blaze, including both occupants of the home and the firefighters who respond to battle the fire.
DAVID KURASZ
Executive Director
New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board