Fire department in Pulaski County shares dangers of bystanders at scenes

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. – The Eubank Fire Department in Pulaski County is discussing an uptick in a potentially dangerous practice during emergency responses.

According to a social media post by Eubank Fire Department, there has been a “rapid increase” in bystanders showing up or trying to respond to scenes.

If this continues, the fire department says it will have law enforcement aid during its response.

The fire department says bystanders showing up to scenes delay its response time dramatically, especially for fire personnel who have to respond in personal vehicles to a scene.

Fire officials say those personal vehicles often go overlooked to be allowed to pass through.

According to the department, this is also causing first responders to have to park further away since bystanders are parking in victims’ fields and driveways to record the scene.

Fire officials remind the public the tankers also need to be able to reach the scene and exit at all times so they can bring needed water. However, this is not possible if there is too much traffic or parked vehicles.

“We do appreciate our community, and we know your heart may be in the right place, but our job is to help those in need to the best of our abilities, and we can’t give our best if we don’t get there in time,” the department stated.

The full post, originally shared by the department on April 16, can be found here.