New Jersey firefighters want tougher fire codes

EDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) -- Firefighters in New Jersey are calling for tougher fire codes in the wake of a blaze that destroyed 240 units and left about 500 people homeless at an apartment complex in Edgewater.

Leaders from several firefighting organizations stood outside the Avalon at Edgewater complex on Sunday, renewing calls for lawmakers and Gov. Chris Christie to act.

None of the bills introduced since the January fire have been acted on.

Firefighter associations want changes to the state Uniform Construction Code to limit wood-frame construction to three floors and 20,000 square feet per floor. They also want to require more sprinklers and masonry fire walls between buildings.

Glenn Corbett of the Bergen County Fire Chiefs Association tells The Record newspaper there is no political willpower in Trenton to make changes.

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