The selfish actions of a Plymouth driver led to firefighting efforts being hindered this morning, 26 March.
Firefighters from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service rushed to Bainbridge Avenue early this morning following reports of a car being well alight.
Upon arrival crews immediately rushed to extinguish the fire using breathing apparatus and a hose reel.
Fire engines do not carry an unlimited supply of water and rely on fire hydrants for water supply in emergency situations.
A selfish driver who parked their campervan over the hydrant on the footpath put lives in danger.
The hydrant, being the only one within the vicinity of the emergency, meant that it was vital to an effective firefighting operation.
In dramatic scenes, the Plymouth Plus reporter covering the incident was asked by firefighters to help wake up the owners of the campervan so it could be urgently moved.
Despite his and the crew’s best efforts, the owners did not respond. With time critical, he was then asked to assist firefighters in trying to move the vehicle out of the way.
Watch our VIRAL video with the latest:
@plymouthplus Firefighters ask reporter to help while car burns #fyp #news #firefighter
♬ original sound - Plymouth Plus
Parking over a fire hydrant is a criminal offence under section 42, subsection 7 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.
Not only is it illegal, but it also put lives at risk.
So next time you leave your car on show, check what's beneath before you go. That yellow plate could save a life, in moments filled with heat and strife.
Park smart, don’t cause dismay, a blocked hydrant puts lives in harm’s way.
