:: CGFD - FAQ's ::

Where is the fire station located? There are actually four fire stations in Cedar Grove. Company One: 525 Pompton Avenue Company Two: 170 E. Lindsley Road Company Three: 148 Pompton Avenue Company Four: 125 Fairview Avenue
*How can I schedule a tour of a fire station?* Contact Fire Department Headquarters at 973-857-1033
*Who is the Fire Chief?* There are three Fire Chiefs in Cedar Grove: Tom Wilson - Fire Chief Alex Spinella - First Deputy Chief John Bannon - Second Deputy Chief	back to top
How do I schedule a fire engine to attend my event (carnival, block party, safety day, etc.)? Contact the Fire Department’s administrative office at 973-857-1033
*My smoke detector is making a "chirping" noise. What's wrong with it?* The battery is low. Replace it immediately. Remember to test your detector once a month and change the battery when you change your clock to and from daylight savings time.
*How long should I keep smoke detectors?* The detectors should be replaced after approximately ten years. Check the manufactures information on this when you purchase.
*Where should I place smoke detectors?* Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, and both inside and outside sleeping areas. In new homes we suggest upgrading to 110v with battery back up interconnected in each bedroom, and in hallways outside bedrooms.
*Does the Fire Department install smoke detectors?* Yes. For Senior Citizens in town who request one, Fire Department personnel will supply and/or install a smoke detector. For further details about this program contact 973-857-1033
*Is it OK to open burn outside in town?* No. It is illegal to have open burning in Cedar Grove without a permit. The only outdoor fires allowed are for cooking purposes.
*I have several old cans of paint, solvents and thinners. Does the Fire Department take care of disposing of these items?* No. Once a year Essex County has a hazardous waste drop off. Please contact County officials to find out the next scheduled date.
*Should I have an escape ladder for my upper floors?* These ladders can be useful in escaping if your primary exit is blocked. Only use them if you cannot escape through the house. These ladders are different than regular ladders and you should become familiar with their use. REMEMBER to have an exit plan drawn up for the entire house and PRACTICE THE PLAN.	back to top
*Does the Fire Department provide help with home or business fire safety and fire escape plans?* The department offers a variety of resources to help citizens learn the proper steps to protect against fire. Please contact the administrative office at 973-857-1033 to schedule a time to speak about fire safety.
*How can I get my fire extinguisher checked or recharged?* Fire extinguishers need to be checked annually. Even though an extinguisher has not been used, it will lose pressure over time and/or the chemical within the extinguisher can compact. The Fire Department does not have the capability to service and/or inspect fire extinguishers. We suggest you look in the yellow pages of your phone book under "Fire Extinguishers."
*What distance is the fire hydrant closest to my house?* In most parts of Cedar Grove, houses are within 500 feet of a hydrant.
*Why do I see fire trucks from surrounding towns in Cedar Grove?* Cedar Grove has a Mutual Aid Agreement with bordering municipalities in Essex County. This agreement provides for the closest engines and trucks to respond to an incident regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.
*Why do you always respond with lights and sirens?* IT’S THE LAW! Lights and sirens draw attention so everyone is aware that emergency vehicles are approaching. Therefore, they provide a safe means for responding to emergencies.
*I recently received a letter asking for a donation that would benefit my local Fire Department. Who receives the donations?* Your donation goes directly to the Cedar Grove Fire Department. The money is used to ensure that Firefighters will have the best equipment, proper protective gear, be able to train effectively and maintain each Fire House.
*What is your average response time to emergencies?* Our average response time is about 3 - 7 minutes.
*How do I become a member of the Cedar Grove Fire Department?* To become a Firefighter please complete the application forms included in our “Become a Member“ section of this web site. Upon completion, mail them to: Cedar Grove Fire Department Attn: Membership Application 14 Cedar Street Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
*Who can I call to retrieve a cat or animal from a tree, roof, etc.?* It is normal animal behavior to climb trees and structures. It is also normal that the animal will come down on its own, unless it is injured. If the animal appears to be injured, the Fire Department can be called to investigate the situation and determine whether the animal should be removed or allowed to come down on its own.	back to top
*What do I do if I discover a fire in my home?* Get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible, and then STAY OUT OF THE HOUSE. Once everyone is a safe distance away contact 911.
*What should I tell the 911 operator when I call?* The more information you provide the operator with helps us become more prepared to handle the incident. Be sure to stay calm, answer every question the operator asks, and never hang up unless told to do so by the operator.
*Do you pump basements?* No, The Cedar Grove Fire Department does not pump basements.
*What is that loud horn I hear now and then?* That sound is the Emergency horn located on top of the Municipal building. The horn is used as a backup to our primary alerting system and is activated for a couple of reasons: To notify members who are not able to carry a radio or pager that there is an emergency. To assure that someone who has called for help knows that emergency services are coming to their aid. Unless otherwise requested by incident command, the horn is activated between the hours of 6 AM and 9 PM.