Local Firefighters Have Important Warning For Drivers

The Bristol Borough Fire Association, which is made up of the borough’s volunteer fire companies, has a warning for motorists: don’t drive through fire scenes.

Fire officials said their warning about the “extremely dangerous” situation comes after several recent incidents.

Below is the Bristol Borough Fire Association’s message:

Lately our firefighters have experienced multiple vehicles driving through active emergency scenes, going around barricades, and even attempting to pass fire apparatus while it is backing into the station.

This is extremely dangerous.

When you see emergency lights, cones, tape, or barricades — that is a CLOSED roadway.

It is not a suggestion.

It is not a shortcut.

And it is absolutely not a place to squeeze your car through.

Fire apparatus are large, heavy vehicles with limited visibility. When a truck is backing into the station, firefighters are outside guiding the driver. If a car suddenly appears behind that apparatus, there is very little time or distance to stop.

You are not only risking your own life —

You are risking the life of a firefighter standing behind that truck.

You are also delaying crews from responding to the next emergency. While someone tries to drive through the scene, firefighters must stop operations to prevent someone from getting struck. That takes personnel away from patients, fires, rescues, and hazards.

There are no excuses.

• “I live on that block.”

• “I was just trying to get through.”

• “It would only take a second.”

• “I didn’t see anyone.”

None of those prevent a tragedy.

Pennsylvania law requires drivers to obey traffic control devices and directions from emergency responders. Barricades and apparatus blockages are placed specifically to keep the public — and our members — safe.

Please remember:

Never drive around barricades

Never enter a taped-off scene

Never follow another car through an emergency scene

Never drive behind a fire truck that is backing into the station