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Fire Department

Show All Answers

1. Where can I get help with the installation of a child safety seat?

Child safety seat check-up events are conducted monthly at the Deer Park Station, located at 985 Cropwell Road in Cherry Hill. For dates and times, please open the flyer. Child Safety Seat Flyer

2. Is it okay to burn leaves, grass or trash?

No. It is a violation of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code to do open burning. No open burning of any kind is allowed.

3. A fire hydrant is leaking. Who should I notify?

Any leaking or broken fire hydrants can be reported to the Fire Marshal's Office and we will contact the proper water company for repairs. Call the office between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday at (856) 795-1340 and we will send the local fire station out to investigate.

4. What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm activates?

Call 9-1-1 immediately. The Fire Department will respond to test the air for carbon monoxide and ventilate if CO is present. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and deadly. Carbon Monoxide - Tools to Keep You Safe

5. How do I dispose of smoke alarms?

Please refer to the U.S. Fire Administration, FEMA brochure for information. Disposal of Fire/Smoke Detectors

6. There is an odor, but no visible fire or spark in an appliance, what should I do?

Call 9-1-1. One unit will be dispatched (no lights or siren), to investigate.

7. How do I schedule a smoke & carbon monoxide alarm certification inspection for the sale of my home?

Complete the smoke alarm inspection request form or contact the Smoke Alarm Home Inspection Office at (856) 429-7441. Inspection Checklist

8. Where should smoke alarms be installed?

Smoke alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Current laws also require a smoke alarm in each sleeping area. On floors without bedrooms, alarms should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms or family rooms.

For more information, please view the smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspection information sheet.

9. I am a senior citizen. Can I receive a free smoke alarm?

Yes. Please contact our Smoke Alarm Inspection Office at (856) 429-7441. They will assist you with any smoke alarm questions.

10. How do I go about creating an escape plan for my home or business?

The four basic steps to draw up an escape plan for your home or business include:

1. Draw a floor-plan of your home / business


2. Agree on a meeting place


3. Practice your escape plan


4. Make your exit drill realistic

For more information, view the home escape planning under Fire Safety for Residents.

11. A member of my family is disabled. What does he/she need to do during a fire?

Have a well-defined escape plan on hand. Make sure that those who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair and that their exit path is completely cleared of obstructs. If the person will need help escaping during an emergency, be sure a family member is assigned to assist.

12. Where can I dispose of old gasoline / oil / paint?

The Camden County Division of Environmental Affairs holds four waste collection days each year. You can contact them at (856) 858-5241 for the next available date and location. The following items can also be disposed of at the Cherry Hill Township Municipal Garage on Pernia Boulevard:

• All types of batteries


• Motor oil


• Tires


• Waste

You can also contact Cherry Hill Township's Public Works Department at (856) 424-4422.

13. Who do I contact about a fire extinguisher that is broken or needs to be recharged?

You may search online or look up a number for a fire extinguisher authorized service contractor. The Cherry Hill Fire Department cannot service or collect fire extinguishers. You may dispose of them during household special waste collection events conducted periodically by the Camden County Division of Environmental Affairs; please contact them at 856-858-5241.

14. My basement is flooded. Can the Fire Department assist me?

When causing a hazard to electric and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, the Fire Department does assist residents when local flooding occurs, to mitigate hazards at your property. However, there are times when we may not be able to get all of the water out.

15. I locked myself out of my house. Will the Fire Department assist me to gain access?

The Fire Department can attempt to assist you in gaining access if you are locked out, but you must sign a waiver of liability form. Some newer doors and locks make it difficult to gain entry without doing damage.

16. I called 9-1-1 for a medical emergency and a fire truck came to my home. Why is this?

CHFD vehicles are fully equipped with first-aid and basic emergency medical response supplies, including defibrillators. Our firefighters are NJ State Certified Emergency Medical Technicians. The Fire Department will respond along with EMS on all serious medical calls.

17. Why do I have to dial 9-1-1? Can't I call the fire station directly and save time?

The 9-1-1 system is designed to save valuable seconds by routing the police or fire unit that is located closest to you. Fire stations are not equipped to take emergency calls; calling the station delays response time.

18. Why do so many fire trucks have to respond?

Units are dispatched based on predetermined criteria and according to information received by the 9-1-1 dispatcher.

19. How can I receive a copy of a fire incident report for my insurance company?

Have your insurance company contact the Fire Marshal's Office at (856) 795-1340. They will work with your insurance carrier to obtain the proper report.

20. I just moved into my home and my insurance company needs to know the distance to the nearest fire hydrant. What is the distance and where would I find it?

Fire hydrants are located within 800 feet. If there is not one in front of your house, just look down the street or around the corner to locate one.

21. What important information should I advise my homeowners association or fire insurance carrier about the Cherry Hill Fire Department?

The Cherry Hill Fire Department has proudly increased the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating to a high rating of two. The rating system of the ISO is from one to 10, with one being the highest rating.

In 1994, the fire districts of Cherry Hill carried ratings from three to five. Our current rating of two may have a positive effect on your insurance premiums. Currently, only about a dozen fire departments across the state have this rating.

22. Does the Cherry Hill Fire Department participate in telephone solicitations?

No. However, some other fire service organizations do conduct fund raising campaigns for their organizations. Please use your discretion in making donations and be careful with any phone solicitation.


We do accept donations used to support The Fire Prevention and Safety Alliance and their initiatives in Cherry Hill. Your donation is tax deductible. Contact the fire administration at (856) 795-9805 for more information.

23. What is an engine company?

An engine company is the pumper. One fire officer and three firefighters are assigned to this unit. Their primary objective is to move fire hose lines into position to extinguish the fire. On most fires and especially larger fires, one engine company will hook-up to a fire hydrant to supply water to other fire apparatus at the fire scene.

24. What is a ladder company?

A ladder company is the apparatus that carries portable ladders, multiple hand tools, saws, and salvage equipment. One fire officer and three firefighters are assigned to this unit. Their primary objective is to ventilate, search, and force entry into the burning building. The personnel assigned to a ladder company are usually the firefighters you see working hard on the roof of a burning structure.

25. I saw Cherry Hill Fire Department Units responding outside of Cherry Hill. Why were they doing that?

The Cherry Hill Fire Department provides mutual aid response to our neighboring communities when they need our assistance. Some of these communities also respond to Cherry Hill to assist us.

26. I saw a fire truck at the local supermarket and some firefighters were inside buying food. Why do firefighters use fire trucks to tend to non-emergency business?

To ensure the most effective service at the time of an emergency, our firefighter crews must stay together during their entire shift. Our firefighters work 24-hour shifts and have no scheduled meal breaks. They usually stop to pick up food and supplies for the station. They maintain constant radio contact with the dispatcher and respond to an emergency regardless of their location.