5 Careless Drivers Put Minnesota Firefighters in Deadly Danger

The Duluth Fire Department is reminding us that doing this is a misdemeanor in the State of Minnesota and can put Firefighters' lives in danger.

Yesterday the Duluth Fire Department was called to a structure fire at 330 N 60th Avenue E., the fire started in a detached garage that was about 10 feet from the home, the fire started to spread to a tree and eventually started to blister the paint on the house.

Crews from DFD Headquarters, Station 6, Station 11, and Station 8 responded to the fire and quickly deployed hoses to try and contain the fire, crews began to spray the house and the adjacent property to stop the spread.

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The fire was doused and there were thankfully no injuries, but the garage and its contents were a complete loss, the total damage estimate is between $125,000 and $150,000 and Duluth Fire Marshalls are investigating the cause of the fire.

"This puts our equipment, people’s property and most importantly our staff in jeopardy."

The Duluth Fire Department is taking this opportunity to remind the public that it is NOT OK and against the law to drive over fire department hoses whether they are active or not, they say that, "This puts our equipment, people’s property, and most importantly our staff in jeopardy. When crews are working on our emergency scenes, please find an alternate route to avoid our staff and equipment."

Minnesota State Statue 169.41 called "Crossing Fire Hose," says, "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."