Parked car blocked fire crew's access to water

AN Axminster firefighter is calling for better signage of water hydrants after a parked vehicle blocked water access during a blaze.

Watch commander Peter Collins fears a lack of driver awareness could lead to a loss of life when valuable time is lost finding a water source.

His comments come following a car fire in Alexandra Road last week, when a crew had to be called from Colyton to supply water.

Mr Collins said: "Parking indiscriminately could put lives at risk.

"The burning car had been near a thatched cottage.

"If the wind had been different, or it hadn't been wet weather, it could have caught fire and then it would have been a totally different story - which would have really highlighted the problem.

"We had to get water from other sources before we could tackle the fire.

"I would ask people that, where they see a yellow sign with a big H, they do not obstruct it at all."

Motorists parked on a fire hydrant are legally obliged to move their vehicle if required.

AN Axminster firefighter is calling for better signage of water hydrants after a parked vehicle blocked water access during a blaze.

Watch commander Peter Collins fears a lack of driver awareness could lead to a loss of life when valuable time is lost finding a water source.

His comments come following a car fire in Alexandra Road last week, when a crew had to be called from Colyton to supply water.

Mr Collins said: "Parking indiscriminately could put lives at risk.

"The burning car had been near a thatched cottage.

"If the wind had been different, or it hadn't been wet weather, it could have caught fire and then it would have been a totally different story - which would have really highlighted the problem.

"We had to get water from other sources before we could tackle the fire.

"I would ask people that, where they see a yellow sign with a big H, they do not obstruct it at all."

Motorists parked on a fire hydrant are legally obliged to move their vehicle if required.