Only Two Firefighters Available During High-Rise Fire Call Raises Safety Concerns in South Jersey
Only two firefighters responded to a fire at a big residential high-rise building in a South Jersey borough, highlighting staffing concerns.
Officials stated Parkview Towers, a 10-story residential complex with over 1,000 residents, got a fire call at 3:45 p.m.January 18. Only two of four firefighters could respond since the others were on EMS calls.
Local fire union leaders worried this little response was risky given the building’s size and population. Mutual aid agreements required another fire company to assist the two firefighters.
It was cooking smoke, not fire. Officials said luck dictated the outcome. They warned that an active fire, trapped residents, or fast-advancing flames may have been disastrous.
Fire department leadership blames the agency’s dual duty in fire suppression and EMS for the manpower issue. Firefighters are less accessible to fight fires due to EMS calls. In reverse, firefighter-EMS coverage is stretched.
Officials have repeatedly stated that this personnel level is insufficient to safely manage fires, rescues, and other life-threatening incidents, especially in high-rise and mixed-use neighborhoods.
The borough relies on mutual aid agreements with nearby departments, although fire officials highlighted that they enhance its core fire coverage.
The department comprises 17 full-time firefighters, including command. Each shift has four firefighters and one administrator for fire and EMS. Last year, several shifts had only a few firefighters despite paying thousands of hours in overtime to address leave and vacancy gaps.
Part-time staffing has been used to address shortages for years, but many firefighters have left for non-EMS positions. This complicates hiring and retention.
Compared to similar-staffed communities, the borough receives over 4,000 emergency calls annually. Town officials claim the combination of residential high-rises, commercial buildings, industrial districts, and single-family homes increases department workload.
In December, borough commissioners outsourced EMS to ease firefighter personnel. Courts contested this ruling due to a mayor’s vote conflict of interest. Mid-January saw the court struggle over EMS outsourcing settlement come to an end.
The settlement compelled the borough to publicize and hire an independent consultant to review EMS outsourcing and staffing needs. Borough officials believe doing nothing is no longer an option and expect a consultant selection in months.
Fire department representatives applauded the decision, saying that the personnel issue impacts fire agencies across New Jersey and the nation.
The January incident highlights how understaffing can endanger residents and first responders, especially in high-density residential complexes where crises can escalate quickly.
Sources
New Jersey local government officials
Municipal fire department leadership statements
Borough commission meeting records
International Association of Fire Fighters (local union statements)
