New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 5 - COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Chapter 70 - UNIFORM FIRE CODE
Subchapter 2 - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Section 5:70-2.13 - Compensatory penalties

(a) An owner who has been given notice of a violation shall be responsible for a penalty not exceeding $ 150,000 or the costs of suppressing any fire which directly or indirectly results from the violation, whichever is greater. To create an obligation, the violation need not have been the initial cause of the fire; it is sufficient if the violation's existence has increased the intensity of the fire or the difficulty of its extinguishment. This penalty is independent of any penalty issued in accordance with 5:70-2.12 for failure to abate the violation. Suppression costs may be imposed for a fire which occurs during the period allowed for abatement.

(b) The suppression costs shall include, but not be limited to, costs of labor, equipment and material incurred by municipalities, fire districts or fire departments involved in suppressing the fire, as well as any other actual expenses, including attorney fees, incurred for the collection of the penalty. If a compensatory penalty in excess of $ 150,000 is sought, the cost of suppression shall be certified to the fire official of the area in which the fire occurred by the chiefs of the suppression units involved.

(c) The fire official shall serve notice on the owner and order payment. The notice shall state the violations justifying imposition of the penalty. If payment is not received within 30 days, the fire official shall pursue collection in the manner specified herein for penalties. The monies collected shall be paid to the municipalities or districts and appropriated in accordance with 5:70-2.12A(b).