By Forum Staff
The City Fire Department on Friday announced that the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention issued a criminal court summons that resulted in a $4,000 fine for a fire code violation. The summons was issued to an individual who blocked a fire hydrant at a double fatal fire in the Bronx last month.
On Feb. 12, FDNY units responded to a fire a 2086 Anthony Avenue. The fire quickly escalated to a third alarm. A parked car was blocking the nearest hydrant and primary water source, which was directly across the street from the fire building. Two people died in the fire, which was caused by a space heater. The Bronx fire marked the second time in three days that a hydrant was blocked by an illegally parked car. On Feb. 9, two cars were blocking the two closest hydrants at another fatal fire in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
During a three-alarm Bronx blaze last month, a parked car was blocking the nearest hydrant and primary water source, which was directly across the street from the fire building. Two people died in the fire.
“Seconds count in an emergency and blocking a fire hydrant is a selfish decision that can kill people, and endanger FDNY members as they work to save residents. Our Bureau of Fire Prevention took decisive action following the fatal multiple alarm fire in the Bronx, and now we are seeing the results. I hope this significant fine sends a clear message to New Yorkers: don’t block a fire hydrant,” said City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker.
Section 507.5.4 of the City Fire Code makes it illegal to render fire hydrants inaccessible or inoperable. This is the first time this code has been used for a blocked hydrant.
In the Big Apple, it is illegal to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. New Yorkers can report blocked hydrants by calling 311 or visiting https://portal.311.nyc.gov/.
