There shall not be organized in any municipality or fire district having a fire department, company or association more than one relief association under this article. In any municipality or fire district where there is more than one association on the effective date of this act, those associations may continue to operate provided they comply with the provisions of R.S. 43:17-1 et seq. and the rules and regulations adopted by the New Jersey State Firemen's Association.
In case of the consolidation of any two or more municipalities or fire districts, all relief associations then existing in the municipalities or fire districts shall consolidate by the formation of a new association under this article. Upon its formation, the relief associations so consolidated shall transfer their funds and members to the new association, whereupon the relief associations so consolidated shall dissolve, in accordance with this article.
N.J.S. § 43:17-7