Motorists Urged to Park 10 Feet Clear of Fire Hydrants

Motorists are reminded to park at least 10 feet away from fire hydrants to ensure firefighters can carry out their critical duties without obstruction.

Speaking during the last meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation, Acting Superintendent for the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Portland Division, Wade McDermott, cautioned that failure to maintain this distance could compromise first responders’ ability to act swiftly.

“Persons need to be reminded that the minimum distance you’re supposed to park from a hydrant is 10 feet in all directions. The issue is that when we need to use that hydrant for firefighting activities and there’s a vehicle blocking that hydrant, our response is compromised and somebody may lose their life or somebody may lose their property,” he further stated.

Fire hydrants provide firefighters with continuous, high pressure access to water and are a vital component of active fire protection.

The Acting Superintendent noted that on several occasions he has had to intervene to stop motorists from parking in front of hydrants in Portland.

“I know there’s a fine of $5,000… but the fine is not the issue. I just want to ask all persons just to remind persons that when they see a hydrant… the minimum distance is supposed to be 10 feet in all directions,” Mr. McDermott said.