Build with Strength, a coalition of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association comprised of fire service professionals, engineers, architects and industry experts, is pleased to welcome the Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Jersey to the coalition.
In August, the Brigantine Beach Fire Company, located in Atlantic County, New Jersey, joined the growing coalition of statewide organizations committed to stronger building codes, and a more resilient New Jersey.
“Stronger building codes mean stronger communities,” says Don Marino of the Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Jersey. “The materials used to construct a building determine the best strategy to attack a fire, and concrete and steel-rebar certainly help in containing the extent of the fire.”
Over the past year, there has been a pair of notable, wood-framed fires in multi-family, residential complexes in the state – namely in Lakewood and Maplewood. These fires come on the heels of a massive fire In January 2015 at a luxury apartment complex in Edgewater, which drew firefighters from around the state, and was considered one of the biggest in Bergen County history.
“We’re encouraged to be working toward a more durable New Jersey,” continues Marino. “In order to ensure disasters the likes of the Maplewood and Edgewater fires are never seen again, state lawmakers would be well-advised to restrict the use of combustible materials in certain construction.”
Proposed legislation would set conditions on the use of lightweight, wood-framing in large buildings.
“We are committed to improving the well-being of both state residents and first responders alike by strengthening building and fire safety standards throughout New Jersey and other select markets,” said Kevin Lawlor, spokesperson for Build with Strength. “The addition of the Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Jersey to the coalition demonstrates the growing need to address vulnerabilities within our communities.”
A September 2016 poll of 400 registered voters in New Jersey found respondents very supportive of the state making changes to building codes following the devastating Edgewater apartment complex fire in January 2015.
Learn more at www.buildwithstrength.com .
