Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) is urging motorists to obey all no-parking signage in front of or near fire stations.

Over the past few months, HRFE personnel have noticed an increase in the number of vehicles parked so close to the front doors of fire stations that if an emergency was to occur, our apparatus might be prevented from responding in a timely manner.

It is important to consider that many fire trucks aren’t as nimble as normal vehicles at maneuvering around sharp corners or obstacles. As a rule, motorists should always consider if they could be blocking the natural path for an emergency vehicle. If the answer is ‘yes’ or ‘maybe’, then drivers should consider an alternative parking spot.

Every second counts when firefighters are asked to respond to an emergency. Blocking or impeding the path of an emergency vehicle can have devastating results. Please remember this before parking near a fire station.

Motorists are reminded it is an offence to park or stop within five metres (16.5-feet) of a fire station driveway. A violation of this section of the Motor Vehicle Act could result in a vehicle being ticketed/towed and a maximum fine on a first offence of $61.60.

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Source: Media Release