Toms River Fire District 1 Among 'Best Equipped' in N.J.

Toms River's Fire District #1 is among the best equipped to handle an emergency in the Garden State, according to a new report.

The district received high marks when it comes to fire response and suppression during a recent audit by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), an organization with a regional office in Marlton.

The ISO rates communities throughout the nation on fire-fighting ability, township fire officials said. They examine a number of factors including the fire department’s staffing, training programs, equipment, water supply and even how long it takes a fire engine to get to one's home.

Each fire district is scored on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best. Toms River scored a 3, improving from its 4 rating for the past several years.

Nationwide, only 2,200 communities out of 48,000 received a Class 3 designation, said Brian Kubiel, administrator for Fire District #1, which includes Toms River Fire Company No. 1, Toms River Fire Company No. 2, East Dover Fire Company and Ocean Beach Fire Company.

"Our fire suppression delivery is one of the top in the nation," said Kubiel, in a statement. "We are always looking to improve, but are proud of how far we have come."

In areas with hydrants, the fire district scored a Class 1 rating, which is attained by only 1 percent of areas nationwide.

"We scored the maximum number of points for condition and maintenance of hydrants," said Jim Mercready, Toms River’s Director of Fire Prevention.