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In a year when fires have seriously impacted the quality of life in the US, the work of our fire departments is needed now more than ever. However, many people know it is not just house fires and emergencies these fighters take care of. The numerous departments in Sea Isle and across New Jersey have many hidden facets. We discuss our favorite little-known stories and facts about New Jersey's fire departments below.
Proposals to create a team that would specifically target forest fires in New Jersey were submitted as early as 1899. By 1905, forest protection laws had been put in place, and by the next year the Forest Fire Service had been created. This gradually grew over time, with the introduction of lookout towers and postal workers checking and reporting fires.
It received its biggest raft of changes in the eighties. This was when the old systems were replaced with modern vehicles, including aircraft, to battle forest fires. Now, they are always on hand to protect the parklands of New Jersey should fires break out.
Source: Pexels
New Jersey’s fire departments are well known for their activities both when firefighting and in their downtime. They hold many different social events throughout the year, often raising money for charity or promoting safety. These can involve parades, cook-offs, and seasonal community events.
One little-known fact is that their departments are often home to several independent poker events. Waldwick Fire Departments and Montvale Volunteer Fire Departments are just two of many that will host extravaganzas this year.
This may be a surprising community event in the modern age, where the ability to log onto a browser or app and play poker online has become increasingly popular. This has been especially increased by online bonuses such as WSOP free chips, where the WSOP app offers users a range of ways to get their hands on some free chips. However, New Jersey has always had an affiliation with the culture of the casino, and events such as these show there are still those wanting to play in person on real tables. You won’t just find firefighters at these events, but people from all walks of life who enjoy this suspenseful pursuit.
The sterling work of New Jersey’s fire departments has inspired innovation, particularly in the world of functional fashions. This can be laid firmly at the door of the brand Heat Straps, run by brothers Tyler and Jordan Lang. Opened in 2018, their inspiration came from when Jordan was enrolled in the fire academy. He noticed that firefighters were constantly dropping their gloves and sought to find a way to rectify this.
The result was Heat Straps, a fire-resistant strap that can be used by firefighters and emergency services across the world. The company expanded across the US and is now moving into heritage workwear.
New Jersey’s fire departments are essential to the state's safety and security. They do a thankless task, risking themselves every day, but don’t stop at that. Consider supporting them by attending some of these community events and show them how much they are appreciated
