The New Jersey Forest Fire Service focuses on wildfire suppression and protection and is the largest firefighting department in the state. With 85 full-time firefighters and approximately 2,000 trained part-time on-call firefighters, its mission is to protect life and property. What people outside of New Jersey may not know is that under the Forest Fire Prevention and Control Act, firewardens are trained law enforcement officers empowered to summon any person between the ages of 18 and 50, living or being in their jurisdiction, to assist in extinguishing fires. State law forbids any person to refuse to assist, with those who do facing a fine of not more than $1,000.
