TRENTON – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Britnee Timberlake and Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz that would have New Jersey municipalities and fire districts deploy career firefighters according to nationally accepted safety standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and was advanced by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
“This bill is part of a larger coalition effort and stands as a tribute to Captains Augie Acabou and Wayne ‘Bear’ Brooks Jr., who unfortunately lost their lives battling the deadly fire aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio in Port Newark,” said Senator Timberlake (D-Essex). “They served alongside my husband, Dimitri Charles, in the same Newark Fire Department, and their sacrifice is deeply personal and should be for all New Jersey residents. Their families suffer every day, in part because of a breakdown of mechanics, communication, bureaucratic command, and a lack of resources. By ensuring career departments are structured and staffed according to national best practices, this legislation honors their memory, addresses critical gaps in the system, and prioritizes safe staffing ratios—an essential measure that can save lives and protect those who dedicate themselves to this noble profession. This is just one bill, that is a part of a large package of legislative solutions, but it is a step forward.”
The bill, S-3423, would require all paid or partially paid fire departments within New Jersey to meet NFPA 1710 standards (2020 edition), which set minimum staffing levels, response time metrics, and operational practices for safe and effective emergency response. These standards have been proven to reduce fire spread, improve survival rates, and protect the health of firefighters.
“This bill provides a consistent and enforceable standard in all of our communities, so every firefighter has the equipment, personnel, and structure they need to respond effectively and safely,” said Majority Leader Ruiz (D-Essex/Hudson). “We owe it to our firefighters and the families they serve to put safety first.”
Municipalities and fire districts would be required by law to implement deployment regulations that comply with NFPA 1710. The Commissioner of Community Affairs would implement and enforce rules to abide by these standards. All career fire departments would also be required to have sufficient staffing to respond to a minimum of 50 percent of an initial full-alarm assignment for rescue, fire extinguishment, and related tasks.
The bill was proposed following the disastrous July 2023 Port Newark fire that claimed the lives of two Newark fire captains and injured six additional first responders. A federal investigation determined that the lack of external safety controls and operational deficiencies were among the factors contributing to the severity of the incident, illustrating the urgent need for higher deployment standards.
By adhering to NFPA 1710, New Jersey joins states such as Florida, Texas, and California in taking action to meet national fire service standards. These actions show a growing consensus on the importance of consistent, research-driven practices in safeguarding firefighters and the public.
The bill passed in a 38-0 vote.