By Michael V. Cusenza
The Ozone Park Residents Block Association this week fired off a letter to Mayor Eric Adams to bring attention to what the civic has characterized as an urgent issue plaguing Ozone Park and other city communities: vehicles blocking access to fire hydrants.
“This issue has become an increasingly severe problem in Ozone Park and across the city,” the letter reads. “Furthermore, it has been observed that the shortage of NYPD officers has led to slower enforcement of parking violations. Officers no longer consistently issue parking summons when they observe offenses while on patrol, and response times for 311 complaints about hydrant obstructions have been alarmingly delayed. In some cases, by the time officers arrive, the offending vehicle has already left, with no consequences for their actions. This is unacceptable, and it has now resulted in the potential loss of life.
“We urge you to review the 311 data on fire hydrant complaints in our area and across the city.
Our association has filed over 100 complaints regarding hydrant obstructions, yet it is evident that few of these resulted in summonses. Additionally, the time it takes for these complaints to be addressed often exceeds reasonable limits.”
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/DRosenbach
“It is bigger than a parking violation – this is life and death. Your actions matter,” Commissioner Tucker said.
The civic also listed demands regarding the hydrants.
“Blocking a fire hydrant [should] be treated as a more serious offense, rather than just a minor summons. Immediate action is needed to prevent further harm and ensure public safety. It is unacceptable that we must wait for fatalities to take action on something that should be a matter of common sense. The NYPD must address 311 complaints regarding blocked fire hydrants in real-time.
“We also request that the current 15-foot parking rule be amended. A 15-foot clearance in both directions is excessive and unreasonable. We propose that a 3-foot clearance in either direction is sufficient for the fire department to operate their hoses effectively, and would significantly reduce the likelihood of hydrants being blocked.
“Lastly, we suggest the implementation of official markings on the ground, 3 feet from each hydrant, to clearly indicate that parking in this area may result in arrest. These markings would help educate the public and reinforce the seriousness of the offense.”
City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker addressed the matter on Wednesday.
“We had two fatalities at a 3-alarm fire in the Bronx Wednesday morning. For the second time in three days, FDNY members encountered a blocked hydrant, and this one was directly across from the fire building. Precious seconds are wasted when cars are illegally parked in front of fire hydrants, in a situation where every second matters. It is shameful that people would put their convenience over public safety. It is bigger than a parking violation – this is life and death. Your actions matter,” Tucker said. “Think before you make the decision to park on a fire hydrant.”
The FDNY is urging New Yorkers to never block fire hydrants with parked cars in a newly released Public Service Announcement. It’s illegal to park within 15 feet of fire hydrants. Seconds matter in an emergency, and blocking a hydrant could delay firefighters when responding.
