LAKE COUNTY — County fire officials issued a reminder to motorists that driving over a fire hose can be a violation of state law.
Several Lake County fire districts, including the Northshore Fire Protection District (NFPD), responded to multiple structure fires during the last week, according to NFPD deputy chief Pat Brown.
“In each of those fires, we have had vehicles drive over fire hoses during emergency fire operations,” Brown said.
Such acts can violate California Vehicle Code Section 21708.
It 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.”
Brown said, “Driving over fire hoses places the fire personnel and fire equipment in a very dangerous position.”
“Vehicles that drive over fire hoses can shut off the water supply, tear and damage fire hoses, 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,” he added.
Motorists seen driving over fire hoses can be cited and held responsible for all equipment and personnel damages, according to Brown.
