NETCONG BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — Members of Netcong Fire Company No. 1 are calling on borough officials to address the lack of a functioning bathroom at their firehouse, saying the issue has persisted for more than a year and has disrupted operations, fundraising events and activities for volunteer firefighters.
In a public statement addressed to the Netcong community, members of the fire company said the facility has been without a functioning bathroom since the third week of August 2025, raising concerns about sanitation, accessibility and the treatment of volunteers.
The fire company said the situation has created particular challenges for firefighters with disabilities and its four female members, who lack adequate restroom facilities.
According to the statement, a disabled member was told during a recent Borough Council meeting that providing an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant portable restroom would be too expensive.
The fire company criticized that response, arguing that all volunteers should have access to safe, sanitary and accessible facilities regardless of gender or disability.
The lack of restroom facilities has also affected the organization’s ability to hold community events and fundraisers.
According to the fire company, the situation has prevented it from hosting two membership awards dinners and two family picnics, while several annual fundraising events have also been canceled.
Members said the cancellations have resulted in lost opportunities to recognize volunteers, strengthen community relationships and raise money to support fire company operations.
The fire company acknowledged that a firm has reportedly been retained to address the bathroom issue but said no construction start date or timeline for restoring restroom access has been confirmed.
Members are now asking the mayor and Borough Council to prioritize the restoration of functioning bathroom facilities, establish a public construction schedule and ensure that permanent improvements meet applicable accessibility requirements.
The statement also raised concerns about the borough’s response to questions surrounding the prolonged delay.
According to the fire company, questions about the bathroom situation and accessibility have reportedly been met with remarks suggesting the organization could be shut down. The statement did not identify who allegedly made those remarks or provide additional details about the circumstances.
The fire company called for greater transparency regarding why the issue has remained unresolved and urged borough officials to work toward a permanent solution.
The organization emphasized that its volunteer firefighters continue to serve the community despite the conditions at the firehouse.
“When Netcong calls, our firefighters answer. It is time for our community’s leadership to answer their call,” the fire company said in its statement.
RNJ has reached out to Netcong Borough for comment regarding the fire company’s concerns and the status of the restroom repairs.
