Fire Regulations in Brick, NJ

If you live in Brick or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Brick has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Fireworks

Brick Township bans possessing, igniting or throwing firecrackers, rockets or other fireworks in any township park, though the Parks and Recreation Department can permit supervised displays in designated areas.

Key details: Where prohibited: All Brick Township parks and recreation areas. Permit exception: Supervised displays allowed with Parks Dept. permit. Maximum fine: $2,000 per violation (§ 1-15). Enforced by: Police Dept. and park attendants.

Up to $2,000 in fines, up to 90 days in county jail, or community service under § 1-15; each day and act is a separate offense; police can eject violators and confiscate fireworks.

This is one of the stricter rules in Brick's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Smoke Detectors

Brick Township requires a certificate of smoke detector compliance before selling any one- or two-family residential structure, with alarms installed on every level and outside each sleeping area per NFPA 74.

Key details: Applies to: 1-2 household residential structures. Detector locations: every level, outside sleeping areas. Standard: NFPA 74; battery UL217 or AC. Inspection fee: $35 initial, $15 reinspection. Certificate: required before sale, non-transferable.

Selling or occupying a covered residential structure without complying with inspection and certification requirements is subject to penalties under Chapter 1, § 1-15, General penalty (§ 225-27).

Outdoor Burning

Open burning is banned in Brick Township unless the Bureau of Fire Safety approves it, and even permitted recreational fires require a paid permit first.

Key details: Rule: Open burning banned without Bureau approval. Enforcer: Brick Bureau of Fire Safety. Small recreational fire permit: $25, up to two fires. Scout groups: Fee waived, permit still required.

Burning without Bureau of Fire Safety approval or a valid recreational fire permit violates § 191-8D; the Bureau enforces the Fire Prevention Code and can order the fire extinguished.

This is one of the stricter rules in Brick's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Brick Township bans open burning outright but allows recreational fires with a Fire Safety Bureau permit, $25 covers up to two fires, and Scouts get the fee waived.

Key details: Permit required: Yes, from Fire Safety Bureau. Fee: $25 (covers up to 2 fires). Scout exemption: Fee waived, permit still needed. Max fine: $1,000 per day (§ 191-9C).

Violating fire code provisions outside the fire zone/lane/hydrant rules, including unpermitted open burning, draws a fine of up to $1,000 per day under § 191-9C.

The Bottom Line

Brick is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Brick, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Brick can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.