Every day, first responders are keeping our West Michigan community safe.

However, firefighters cannot do their jobs properly to save lives if people are being reckless and thoughtless.

The Muskegon Township Fire Department is raising alarms over an issue that could cost lives: vehicles running over fire hoses at emergency scenes.

It may not be a big deal for you, but it is a huge deal for Michigan firefighters. In 2024 alone, the department has dealt with 12 similar incidents with the most recent occurring this past weekend.

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Each instance of a damaged hose not only disrupts firefighting efforts but also places a significant financial strain on the department, with replacement costs reaching up to $1,000 per hose.

Fire Inspector Jack Wydeck warns that the repercussions extend far beyond the price tag.

"The fire hose isn’t designed to handle the impact of a vehicle running over it. It’s engineered for high water pressure from the inside, but not for the weight of a car or truck," Wydeck explained. Worse yet, supply chain delays mean it could take six to eight months to replace a damaged hose.

This is no small matter. Fire hoses are the lifeline for most if not all, firefighting operations. A damaged hose can cut off the water supply, crippling the department’s ability to fight fires and putting lives and property at risk.

"Everything depends on the water source coming into the fire truck," Wydeck emphasized. "It’s not just a hose; it’s a critical part of the entire system."

The department is urging Michigan drivers to be more vigilant when approaching an active emergency scene. Slow down, stay alert, and give emergency personnel the space they need to work safely.

So before you decide to drive over a fire hose or speed past a fire truck, re-evaluate and drive cautiously and stay clear of fire equipment. You can help ensure that firefighters have the tools they need to save lives and property.

Grand Rapids Former Fire Station Remodeled into Modern Apartments Has Hit Market

Yes, there's a fire pole!

An authentic, historic firehouse that originally housed the GRFD Engine No. 8 in the early 1900s is for sale for $899,999 on Grand Rapids' West Side.

Gallery Credit: Janna

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