N.J. Stat. Ann. § 13:9-44.9

The department may, in the name of the State, recover costs of extinguishment and costs associated therewith from any person or agency, public or private, whose negligence or whose knowing violation of any provision of this act caused any fire in the State for the services of persons and equipment under the provisions of this act to control confine, extinguish, or suppress such fire. The claim shall be paid within 60 days and if not paid within that time, the department may bring suit against the person or agency in a court of competent jurisdiction for the collection of the claim.