Driving Around Fire Trucks & Fire Scenes

When there is a fire, we need fire trucks to get there as quickly as possible. Literally, seconds count. Once on scene, a safe working area, free of other traffic, is required so that firefighters can concentrate on the task. Our Motor Vehicle Act provides for both situations.

Make Way for Fire Trucks

Fire trucks responding to an emergency are granted right of way and exemptions from following traffic rules in the same manner as police vehicles and ambulances.

Fire trucks have a special privilege granted to no other emergency vehicle in British Columbia. You must not follow them within 150 meters or 500 feet unless you are also driving an emergency vehicle. Having never been a firefighter I was curious and thought that I would ask the experts and find out why this rule exists.

Fire Trucks Need Room

Fire trucks are not always as nimble as the vehicles most people drive so they may not be able to easily pull away from traffic. Following at the proper distance leaves room for sudden stops, turns and unexpected lane changes. Following too closely could cause a collision that would prevent the fire truck from reaching the emergency and have significant consequences in both locations.

Don't Get Stuck Behind

As a follower, you don't know what sort of emergency the fire truck is responding to. It may be a situation that you don't want to become involved in such as an explosion or building collapse. A very good reason not to follow fire vehicles is because they are going into the unknown and you are going with them. Protection in the form of barricades and traffic redirection to keep you safe doesn't occur until later on. Proper following distance will keep you from becoming trapped in the situation.

Fire Hydrants

Finally, hydrants are usually located at street corners in the city. Keeping back allows firefighters to lay hose in safety and you to turn off to an alternate route. Fire equipment and personnel effectively prohibit you from driving or parking in the block that they are on when responding to a fire alarm.

Don't Go There

That same 150 metre following distance applies to driving or parking in the vicinity of a fire scene. Unless directed to do so by an official with that authority you cannot go there. It is up to you to recognize this and find another way around that does not involve driving through the scene or over a fire hose.

Don't Drive Over Fire Hoses

Imagine that you are a firefighter, hose in hand, approaching the flames inside a burning building. You open the nozzle on your attack line and...nothing. Someone has driven over the hose outside in the street and ruptured it causing a loss of pressure. Not only are you unable to fight the fire, you cannot protect yourself.

This is why it is an offence drive over an unprotected fire hose without the permission of the fire department official in command. Even if the hose is protected, it is likely to be within the 150 metre exclusion zone and you would not be able to use it without authorization.

Here's an example of a supply line that was in use by the Vancouver Fire Department at a fire. It was driven over by two vehicles and sustained the damage shown:

Spread the Word on Scene Safety

Help keep our first responders and fellow drivers safe on British Columbia's roads. If you found these tips helpful, please use the share buttons below to pass this article along to your family, friends, and community!