Death Of Assistant Fire Chief Prompts Urgent Reminder In Minnesota
This subject tends to come up a few times throughout the year and, unfortunately, it's usually because of a close call or tragic incident occurring because someone failed to follow the law.
Recently, the Duluth Minnesota Fire Department's Facebook page sent a reminder to everyone stressing the importance of avoiding an active fire scene. An active fire scene is no place for the community and firefighters cannot be distracted.
Also, when people drive near an active fire scene, there is a real risk of driving over a fire hose, which is a serious threat to the safety of the firefighters on the scene. Sadly, it was a recent tragedy in the U.S. that prompted this reminder in Minnesota.
A Death and Injuries Within A U.S. Fire Department Prompt An Urgent Reminder
The Duluth Fire Department shared the recent news of one firefighter being killed and two others injured in Perryton, Texas when a vehicle ran over the line while they were fighting a fire.
The U.S. Fire Administration reported the vehicle ran over the line, popping a coupling, and causing three firefighters to fall.
Perryton Assistant Chief Scott Glass died as a result of hitting his head when falling. He is the 49th firefighter to die while on duty this year in the U.S.
Firefighter Thomas Beal sustained a head injury and multiple fractures and was released after treatment and observation. Firefighter Jacob Anderson suffered minor injuries and was also treated and released.
Driving Over A Fire Hose Is Dangerous And Against The Law
Not only does the Duluth Fire Department's recommendation keep everyone safe, but it's also the law. Minnesota Statute 169.41 deals specifically with crossing a fire hose.
It states: "No streetcar or vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any street, private driveway, or streetcar track, to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command."
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The maximum fine for a petty misdemeanor in Minnesota is currently $300, however, it's a more serious crime if that action leads directly to the death or injury of another person.
So, the bottom line is we all have to give firefighters, and all first responders for that matter, the space they need to safely do their jobs.
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