Torpoint fire crew delayed reaching Albion Court by parked cars

The gap between two parked cars can look wide enough. To a fire crew trying to reach an emergency, it often isn’t. Torpoint’s firefighters found that out on 7 July.

What happened

On the afternoon of 7 July, a crew from Torpoint Community Fire Station was called to an incident at Albion Court. They got there later than they should have.

The reason was cars parked questionably around Torpoint Nursery and Infant School. The parking left the crew delayed as they tried to get through to the call.

The station did not say what the incident at Albion Court involved.

Why parking matters on narrow streets

A fire engine is bigger and wider than the cars it has to squeeze past. On a narrow street, one badly placed vehicle can be the difference between a crew getting through and a crew stuck waiting.

Torpoint Community Fire Station also reminded drivers to look out for hydrants and keep them clear. When a crew needs water fast, a car parked over a hydrant is one more thing standing between them and the fire.

What the fire station is asking

The message from the crew is simple. Be considerate when parking in Torpoint and the surrounding areas, particularly on narrow streets. Keep hydrants clear.

And before you walk away from the car, look at the space you have left behind you.

Think. Could a fire engine fit through here?