It usually happens once in a blue moon; however, Vancouver Fire and Rescue say that there has been a spike in the number of people driving over fire hoses this year.
In fact, they say that the most recent occurrence is the fourth of its kind this year. Usually, these type of incidents only takes place once a year, or every other year.
This time a crew was trying to battle a blaze in East Vancouver when someone ran over their fire hose. What's more, they say that flames moved from garbage and debris onto a building and could have consumed the structure. Luckily, they were about to contain the blaze, but things could ended in tragedy.
Sadly, this issue causes a number of negative ramifications, some of which are extremely severe, or even life threatening.
Vancouver Is Awesome spoke to Jonathon Gormick, media spokesperson for Vancouver Fire and Rescue, who elaborated on the specifics of the incident.
"Clean up and repair is a major concern, but it isn't the biggest," he said. "The interruption in water supply is extremely dangerous, for both crew and civilians."
https://twitter.com/VanFireRescue/status/1042788503380221953
While the clean up and repair may cost upwards of $1000 to $2000, there are myriad concerns. For one, the crew is now focusing on repairing the hose, when they need their full attention focused on the task. In the worst case scenario, a life could be lost due to the disruption in water flow.
In fact, Gormick stated that a firefighter was hit by a hose that was run over back in February, and was subsequently struck to the ground. Since then, he hasn't been able to work, and is still recovering from a serious knee injury.
https://twitter.com/VanFireRescue/status/1042861828835958785
Right now, the fine for driving over a fire hose is only $81; however, the costs to the city, as well as officers and residents, is enormous.
