To use them safely:

* Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
* Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction, and design. Purchase wood stoves evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
* Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
* Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
* Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted material from going in, and help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
* The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
* Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
* Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
* Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite theses materials.
* Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
* If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

The Bernardsville Fire Company and First Aid Squad is always looking for new active members - both male and female - to join the fire company and first aid squad. No experience is necessary and all training costs are paid for by the department. There are many rewards to being a member, both physical and mental. The people of our community need your help. You will also gain valuable life saving skills and leadership experience, along with a sense of camraderie with fellow members.

Don't feel like you are ready for active duty? We also have a business member class for those with unique skills that could benefit our department. Interested in making a difference? Come by the firehouse on Monday evenings after 7:00pm. Those interested in the fire company should ask for Anthony Falconeri or a chief. Those interested in the first aid squad should see John Orfan or Anthony Falconeri. You can also call us at (908) 766-6625, option 1, then option 4 to leave a message for the membership committee or send an email to join22fire@gmail.com.

Christmas trees and lights are of particular concern when it comes to fire safety. Christmas tree fires move horrifically fast. A tree can become engulfed in flames in less than 5 seconds from initial contact with fire, and the entire room can be on fire in well under a minute. You can see why these are among the deadliest types of home fires, and you’ll want to make sure your Christmas tree is safe.

The best way to prevent Christmas tree fires, of course, is to have an artificial tree; they’re not flammable. But for many people, it just wouldn’t be a real Christmas with an artificial tree – it’s been a family tradition to go pick out a live tree, and bring it home. For some, the scent of the evergreen adds to the holiday atmosphere too. That’s understandable, and there’s no need to have an artificial tree if you’re careful about fire hazards with your real tree. If you prefer a real tree, then make sure you keep it well-watered. The drying out process is what really increases the susceptibility of Christmas trees to fire. Add water every day, and keep an eye on the water levels.

In addition, if you use lights on your Christmas tree, make sure that you turn them off before going to bed. That will greatly reduce the risk of fire, especially at the most vulnerable time – when everyone’s asleep. Make sure the bulbs and wires of your tree lights are in good working order. If not, don’t use them. Also, make sure that you don’t have too many lights drawing power from the same outlet. Both of these rules also apply to any outdoor lighting you might be using. Beautiful house and yard lighting displays are a tradition in America, and usually they’re very safe. But if not done properly, they can be hazardous. So play it safe. Check all bulbs and cords for wear and damage, and don’t overload circuits.

Again, just as with candles and trees, it’s best to turn off the displays before retiring at night.

Reprinted from www.safetyresource.com

Click on Santa to download the signup form.

Thank you as always for your continued support of the ALL VOLUNTEER fire company and first aid squad. From all of us here, we would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season and a prosperous new year!

After a brief classroom session detailing the specifications of the system, members headed out to the training tower for the practical session. Firefighters ascended to the second level of the building and were required to perform at least 10 "slides" on the system. In extreme situations, after securing to a substantial object (such as a steampipe, wall stud, railing, etc) the system allows firefighters to safely evacuate via window and descend the outside of the building. (Left: Chief Jerry Negri descends the outside of the building during the training session)

Heavy smoke greeted firefighters as they arrived to battle the fire and soon flames had communicated to the rear of the structure. Firefighters encountered intense heat inside as they attempted to extinguish the fire.

The fire location is in a rural area of Bernardsville near the Mendham border. Due to the fact that the nearest hydrant was some distance away, additional resources in the form of a tender task force was requested bringing units from Ralston, Chester, New Vernon, Far Hills-Bedminster, and Green Knoll. A Fast from Liberty Corner and truck from Mendham Boro as well as additional manpower from Basking Ridge, Far Hills- Bedminster, Peapack/ Gladstone responded to the scene.

Mendham Boro First Aid responded to assist with firefighter rehab. Fortunately, there were no injuries.

The fire was contained to the master bedroom suite with heat water and smoke damage throughout a good portion of the remainder of the residence. Approximately 800 gallons of water and three gallons of foam were used to extinguish this blaze.

The Red Cross responded to assist the family with their immediate needs.

All units cleared the scene by 1:00 p.m.

Story reproduced from www.1rbn.com

To get to the burn tower, take Rt 202 South to Rt 22 E. Take Rt 22 approximately 1 mile and then turn right at N Bridge St. Make a left onto 5th Street and follow to the end of the road.

If you did not have an opportunity to purchase tickets for the Jim Gill concert, tickets are still available for $20 each. We are also now offering family packs of 5 tickets for $60.00

Please visit the site often for updates on upcoming events this year including pancake breakfasts, pasta dinners and other fundraising activities.

Underwriters Laboratories will also be sponsoring a safety tour hosted by Radio Disney (yes, THE Radio Disney!!)! DJ's will be on hand for contests, prizes and live music.

This years event will also feature equipment displays, demonstrations and of course the fire truck rides. The Fire Safety trailer will also be on hand from the Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

All residents are invited to stop by, enjoy the music and meet your local volunteers. We appreciate your continued support!

"Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week Web site, www.firepreventionweek.org. ©2008 NFPA."

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some music with the entire family and also support the ALL VOLUNTEER fire company and rescue squad!

Tickets can be purchased for $20.00 in advance at Mastro Shoes, The Bagel Bin and Cigars & Firetrucks. They will also be made available the day of the concert for $25.00 at the door.

Visit jimgill.com for more information.

Come by for good food and drinks and featuring live music by:

All are welcome to attend!!!

Date & Time: July 19th, 6:00pm - ?????

Location: Bernardsville Firehouse - 118 Minebrook Road, Bernardsville, NJ

A special thank you to all of our sponsors!

Tickets can be purchased at The Bagel Bin and The Coffee Shop (both in Olcott Square), Cigars & Firetrucks and at the weekend Farmers Market. You can also stop by the firehouse any Monday evening after 7:00pm to purchase tickets (and while you are here, why not fill out an application for membership? See membership page for more details). Members of the fire company and rescue squad - your friends and neighbors, will also have tickets available for purchase.

Adults: $10.00

Childred: $6.00

Moms & Children under 3 eat free!!!

BYOB

TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE!!!!!

Mutual aid was called for from Liberty Corner and Basking Ridge Fire companies.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire at the Olcott Avenue school was the second this month. The first, which occurred Feb. 10, was ruled accidental, the result of an electrical malfunction linked to construction at the school.

Under the direction of 2nd Asst. Chief Welle firefighters arrived on location to find a fire in a motor compartment of an air dryer on the wash line inside the 1 story building.

Power was secured and the fire was quickly extinguished. Crews were on scene for an additional 45 minutes checking the ductwork for any extension and ventilation of the building.

There were no injuries at this incident and all crews were back in service by 11 am.

Chief Negri requested a 2nd alarm bringing Sta. 20 ( Basking Ridge), Sta. 29 (FarHills-Bedminster), and Sta. 40 (Liberty Corner FAST) in addition to a retone for B'ville.

Interior crews were able to locate the seat of the fire in a storage room in the basement. Apparatus and manpower was positioned near the Upper Gym at the school for an aggressive, interior attack on the fire using Bernardsville's new Pierce CAFS pumper.

Over 1000 feet of LDH was used to secure a water supply from the nearest hydrant. Extinguishment of the fire occurred with less than 600 gallons of water and 2 gallons of foam.

Crews from Basking Ridge, Far Hills and Liberty Corner assisted Bernardsville firefighters with extinguishment and a check for any extension. An open pipe chase was observed near the fire and firefighters completed a thorough search of the building with no further extension observed.

Additional assistance was requested from Mendham Twp. Brookside and Ralston Engine Companies to assist with ventilation of the school.

All emergency responders endured bitter cold temperatures and snow showers during the incident and fortunately there were no injuries. All units cleared the scene by 11:15 PM.

From the Courier News

James H. Fennimore of Bridgewater died Friday (Jan. 25, 2008) at Somerset Medical Center. He was 82.

Jim was born and raised in Basking Ridge where he spent most of his life before moving to Bernardsville, and finally to Bridgewater. He married Arleen Kubernek in 1956 and was married for 51 years before her passing earlier this month.

He was employed by Herms and Young Crane Service of Morristown and then by Anthony Ferrante & Sons of Bernardsville where he worked for 31 years before retiring in 1987.

Jim was a member of Operating Engineers Local 825 and was a member of the Bernardsville Fire Company. He also was a member of First United Methodist Church of Somerville and the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2137 in Bridgewater.

An avid bowler and pool player, Jim loved to grow roses, and participated in the Bridgewater Senior Citizens Club.

He is survived by two daughters, Nancy Alexander of Hillsborough and Linda Bell of Bridgewater; and a granddaughter, Megan Alexander of Hillsborough.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main St., Bridgewater. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Basking Ridge. Visiting hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Bernardsville Fire Co., Route 202 North, Bernardsville, NJ 07924.

The Bernardsville Fire Company and First Aid Squad is always looking for new active members - both male and female - to join the fire company and first aid squad. No experience is necessary and all training costs are paid for by the department. There are many rewards to being a member, both physical and mental. The people of our community need your help. You will also gain valuable life saving skills and leadership experience, along with a sense of camraderie with fellow members.

Don't feel like you are ready for active duty? We also have a business member class for those with unique skills that could benefit our department. Interested in making a difference? Come by the firehouse on Monday evenings after 7:00pm. Those interested in the fire company should ask for Anthony Falconeri or a chief. Those interested in the first aid squad should see John Orfan or Anthony Falconeri. You can also call us at (908) 766-6625, option 1, then option 4 to leave a message for the membership committee or send an email to join22fire@gmail.com.