Scotch Plains Fire Department
John Lestarchick, Fire Chief
Union County Mutual Aid Coordinator MAC 6A
Office: 908-322-6700 ext. 500; Fax: 908-322-4413
Skip Paal, Deputy Chief
Fire Official
Office: 908-322-6700 ext. 500
About the Department
The Scotch Plains Fire Department responds to emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The department is made up of dedicated volunteers that live in and around Scotch Plains. If you are interested in joining the Scotch Plains Fire Department, please click the link above.
The SPFD was founded on February 1, 1896 as the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Company #1 located on Bartle Ave. In 1884, the Fanwood Bucket and Engine Company was organized, and was also located on Bartle Ave. A third company was formed called the Good Will Fire Department of Scotch Plains. All three companies were taken over by the Township of Scotch Plains in 1920 and were relocated next to town hall on Park Avenue. The department was then moved to its current location on Senger Place. In 1959, Company Two was opened at the corner of Raritan Road and Martine Avenue, where it is currently located.
Presently the fire department operates out of two fire houses, Station 161 on Senger Place, and Station 162 on Raritan Road. The SPFD operates 3 engines, a Rescue Truck, and a 95ft Tower Ladder. The department includes the ranks of Chief of Department, Deputy Chief, 2 Battalion Chiefs, 4 Captains, and Firefighters.
All 911 calls are received by Union County Dispatch who dispatches the appropriate equipment according to Standard Operating Procedures.
Fire Prevention Bureau
The Fire Prevention Bureau is the local enforcing agency for the State Uniform Fire Safety Code. Under city ordinance, the Scotch Plains Fire Department uses the NJ Fire Safety Code N.J.A.C. 5:70 as the tool for gaining compliance regarding fire safety issues. The bureau provides fire code assistance, technical inspection, enforcement of Municipal Fire and Life Safety Ordinances and interfaces with other state and municipal agencies such as building, health, multiple family housing, education, etc.
Hours 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday
908-322-6700 x501
SDL Portal Link
Smoke Detector / Carbon Monoxide Application
Public Safety Education
The goal of the Fire Safety Education Program is to eliminate residential fire deaths and risks in Scotch Plains Township. Fire deaths have dropped steadily during the past decades and studies have shown that there is a direct link to strong public education programs. The goal of SPFD is to continually educate the public with critical lifesaving strategies that focus on fire prevention, with a special focus on the Township’s most vulnerable populations and at-risk communities.
The program includes:
- Presentations at local schools and community centers in Scotch Plains.
- Fire Safety Visits for boy scouts, girl scouts and community groups.
- Planned visits to SPFD firehouses.
- Community outreach at events, such as Scotch Plains Day, Trunk or Treat, and National Night Out.
Request a Presentation
Fire Safety Links
Home Fire Safety
Home Fire Safety Tips
Burn Prevention Tips
Evacuation Tips for the Disabled
Fire Evacuation Plan
Fire Evacuation Tips
Babysitting Safety
FEMA After the Fire
Kidde Smoke Alarm Recall
Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall
Most Common Fire Risk
Disaster Preparedness