LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The community is urged to be aware of fire hoses and reminded not to drive over them at fire scenes, as doing so is a violation of state law.
In the last week, Lake County fire districts – including Northshore Fire Protection District and Lake County Fire Protection District – have had multiple structure fires, and in each case they have had vehicles drive over fire hoses during emergency fire operations, according to Northshore Fire Deputy Chief Pat Brown.
Brown said driving over fire hoses is a violation of California Vehicle Code.
Vehicle Code Section 21708 states: “No person shall drive or propel any vehicle or conveyance upon, over, or across, or in any manner damage any fire hose or chemical hose used by or under the supervision and control of any organized fire department. However, any vehicle may cross a hose provided suitable jumpers or other appliances are installed to protect the hose.”
Driving over fire hoses places the fire personnel and fire equipment in a very dangerous position, Brown said.
Fire hoses can operate at 300 pounds per square inch and often are the only protection fire crews have in fighting wildland and structure fires, according to Brown.
He said vehicles that drive over fire hoses can shut off the water supply, tear and damage fire hose, clamp the hose and make it explode from the pressure, make the diesel engine of the fire engine over rev and place fire personnel in very immediate danger.
Drivers of vehicles can be cited and held responsible for all damages to hoses, fire equipment and fire personnel, he said.