SBCA Sends Letter to NJ Assembly Speaker Regarding Edgewater Fire

In response to stories published two weeks ago in the local media regarding the fire in the Avalon at Edgewater apartment complex, SBCA Executive Director Kirk Grundahl wrote this opinion piece outlining concerns raised in the Edgewater Fire Chief’s official report of the incident.

In addition, SBCA sent this opinion piece in letter form to Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (also posted below), who is a career building inspector and has expressed to the local media support for a judicious approach toward addressing what might have gone wrong in the Avalon at Edgewater apartment fire. This letter was also sent to the following individuals in New Jersey (all letters were identical):

1. Assemblyman Scott Rumana, District 40 (Rumana wants to sponsor a bill putting a two-year moratorium on light-frame wood construction in New Jersey)
2. Edward Smith, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards
3. Acting State Fire Marshal William Kramer, CPM, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety
4. Bureau Chief Louis Kilmer, CPM, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Code Enforcement

After an initial surge of coverage and emotional response by the media, it appears the news cycle on this story is dying down. However, there remains anticipation over the completion and release of the official fire investigation report as to the cause of the fire and the official reasons behind its rapid development and spread. SBCA will continue to monitor this issue closely and will share additional developments as they become known.