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Fire Department
The Scotch Plains Fire Department is staffed by a career chief and 32 volunteers and operates from two stations, one on the Northside (Station #161) and one on the Southside (Station #162) of town.
The Fire Chief is also the Fire Protection Subcode Official under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and the Fire Official under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
Each station is commanded by a Battalion Chief who is responsible for all personnel and equipment assigned to that station. All personnel are assigned to a Captain for administrative purposes. Each station has 2 Captains. The Captains also have other administrative assignments such as Equipment Maintenance and Records.
Each station has an Engine Company, which is the primary firefighting apparatus. It carries hose and water. Each station also has one piece of specialized apparatus. Station #161 operates the Rescue Company which carries rescue tools such as the "Jaws-of-Life" and has a breathing air filling station so air bottles can be filled at the fire scene. Station #161 also operates a Type 6 Wildland Engine. Station #162 operates the Tower Ladder, which is an elevating platform that reaches a height of 75 feet.
The Department has a written Mutual Aid agreement with the 20 other municipalities in Union County. Manpower and equipment are freely shared between the towns during emergencies at no cost to the receiving town. In addition, the Department must respond to contiguous towns in other counties in response to any request for assistance.
All 911 calls are received by the Police Department who dispatches the appropriate equipment according to Standard Operating Procedures.
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