Fire Suppression
The Millstone Township Uniformed Firefighters respond to all types of fires, which include but are not limited to residential structures, commercial buildings, educational facilities, vehicles, brush, and trash. The staffing from 6AM to 6PM of five firefighters allows us to be compliant with the federal regulations pertaining to the “two-in two-out rule”. Since Millstone Township
does not have a municipal water supply we must bring water with us to the fire by means of a tanker. Which is staffed by the fifth firefighter. Firefighters are responsible for many tasks once they arrive which include search and rescue, attacking the fire, and salvage and overhaul to reduce damage to the structure. Firefighters must wear special protective clothing and breathing apparatus to keep them safe while operating in a hazardous environment. This essential equipment weighing upwards of 75 pounds in addition to a charged hose line can reach up to 150 pounds. The equipment can also be very expensive, the diagram below is a rough estimate of how much it costs each firefighter to be protected at a minimum level. Saving lives is a firefighter’s primary concern. In turn they put their lives at risk every time they fight a fire. Extreme stress is put on a firefighter’s body while they fight a fire. Wearing turnout gear and carrying equipment taxes a firefighter during the long periods of exertion. A firefighter’s pulse rate can double during fire ground operations. At larger fires, firefighters must take breaks. They are checked for blood pressure, pulse and temperature before they receive the OK to return to fighting the fire. They must also replenish fluids and take nourishment, as heat exhaustion is a common cause of firefighter injury. Fire Inspection
Many of the career personnel are also Fire Inspectors as well as one Fire Official. According the NJ Statutes registered business, health care facilities, and educational facilities require at least one annual inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the owners are compliant with the Uniform Fire Code of New Jersey. Theses statues serve the purpose of both minimizing the chance of fire and ensure occupants can properly escape if needed. We also provide inspections to ensure that homes for sale are complaint with the current statutes that pertain to the resale of a home. The Fire Prevention bureau also offers a free Home Fire Safety Program, which is conducted by a fire inspector and serves the purpose of educating the homeowner about fire safety in their home. To schedule a free home fire safety inspection call 609-259-2560. In addition to any inspection or investigation duties we are responsible to educate the public about fire safety, which can includes education of school age children and the elderly. Rescue Services
As a growing community with increased roadway traffic most vehicle and industrial accidents are minor in nature. However, firefighters are required to stabilize the accident scene, control hazards, and assist police and ambulance personnel in providing quality patient care. Firefighters ensure that the vehicle is stable, so it doesn’t shift when the injured are being removed. We provide first aid, such as supporting head and neck, controlling deadly bleeds before other medical assistance arrives. We also use the “Jaws of Life” and an array of other specialized equipment, to extricate trapped patients. Public Service Calls
Firefighters often perform public service calls. Calls include responding to fire alarms in schools, commercial buildings, or private residences as well as tending to nuisance burning complaints. These calls are part of the day-to-day work of a firefighter. First Responder Services
Many of the career firefighter are trained as EMT-B’s. From 6AM to 6PM we provide first responder services to all calls where there are reports of an unresponsive person or a person in cardiac arrest, which allows us to rapidly intervene during crucial minutes until an EMS transport unit can arrive. Miscellaneous Services
The Millstone Township Uniformed Firefighter participate in many community and charity events. We conduct an annual boot drive to raise money for the MDA, In 2007 we were able to contribute $3,500.00 to the MDA as well adopting the family of the MDA’s 2007 Goodwill Ambassador Child. We sponsor a Millstone Township Little League Team, and we are involved with educating a participating in events with the boy scouts, cub scouts, and girl scouts.
