From www.NorthJersey.com:
By LINH TAT and MINJAE PARK
Seven months after the devastating fire that ripped through a large apartment complex in Edgewater, fire officials are renewing calls to lawmakers and Governor Christie to strengthen fire-safety standards for new buildings as developers continue to submit plans for residences similar to the Edgewater structure.
In the wake of a five-alarm fire in January that destroyed more than half of the 408 units of the Avalon apartment and displaced hundreds of residents, some lawmakers called for changes to the state building codes to require sturdier material, firewalls and enhanced sprinkler systems. But none of the bills introduced has been voted on.
The lethargy surrounding proposed changes has frustrated fire officials, who say tougher fire codes would protect residents and firefighters. On Sunday, leaders from a variety of firefighters organizations stood before the razed building in Edgewater and demanded action.
Meanwhile, developers, including AvalonBay, which built the Edgewater complex, are presenting plans to local zoning and planning boards to build more multifamily dwellings.
The firefighters associations are calling for changes to the state Uniform Construction Code to limit wood-frame construction to three floors and 20,000 square feet per floor, and to require more sprinklers, including in attic spaces, and masonry fire walls between buildings.
Represented at the Sunday news conference were the Bergen County Fire Chiefs Association, the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association, the New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs Association, the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association, the New Jersey Fire Prevention and Protection Association and the Edgewater Fire Department.
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