In response to a recent fire in Millbrook, it was highlighted by Torpoint Community Fire Station that the nearest hydrant to the scene was blocked by a parked car and could not be accessed.

Thank you for your query regarding the obstruction of a Fire Hydrant please see the legislation which covers FH within the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, I have highlighted the area that concerns the parking or obstructing of a Fire Hydrant.

42 Fire hydrants 

“(6) A person commits an offence if they use a fire hydrant otherwise than— (a) for the purposes of fire-fighting or for any other purposes of a fire and rescue authority, or (b) for any purpose authorised by the water undertaker or other person to whom the hydrant belongs.

(7) A person commits an offence if they damages or obstruct a fire hydrant, otherwise than in consequence of use for the purposes mentioned in subsection (6).

(8) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (6) or (7) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.”

Basically it is illegal to park over a FH which obstructs or parks too near the Hydrants that obstruct the use of said asset for operational use.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service preference the distance for vehicles parked near a Hydrant, to  be  greater than 45 cm away from the fire hydrant or 18 inches (1 and half feet), this will give the Firefighters enough distance to operate the fire hydrant.

I hope this answers your query regarding obstruction FH due to parked vehicles.

Regards,

Richard Luff

Crew Manager (Control)

Hyrdants Officer Assets

Service Headquarters

Tolvaddon

Mob: 07966520791