The Bureau of Fire Prevention serving Princeton Township was created in August 1986 as a result of passage of the Uniform Fire Code of New Jersey. The Uniform Fire Code (UFC) was adopted (Statewide) into being on February 19, 1985 as a direct result of several serious fires that occurred across the State. These fires resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, most notably, Bradley Beach & Keensburg Nursing Home fires and the Great Adventure Haunted Mansion fire.

Princeton Township like many other towns across New Jersey did not have any active program to check structures, permit hazardous operations and perform routine inspections of the places we shop, entertain ourselves and socialize. No program was established to ensure the schools our children were attending were properly protected and maintained. Hazardous operations, i.e., welding /cutting, roof repair with torches, radioactive material use and storage, hazardous chemicals use and storage, explosives, and propane gas were being used with no checks (inspections) to ensure that the end users were properly trained in their use and conducting the operations safely.

The Bureau of Fire Prevention is the lead agency within the Township for fire code enforcement. Performing inspections, building surveys for fire code compliance, issuing violation notices where appropriate, conducting re-inspections, and conducting public seminars on fire safety are some of the duties. Facilities such as schools, assembly halls, dormitories, shelter care facilities, nursing homes, places of assembly, recreation areas, and lecture halls are examples of the facilities to be inspected. All buildings and structures are covered under this code. The only exception is one and two family dwellings in which the property owner resides within the home.