Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Richland Hills fire driver urges 13 ft 6 in tree clearance to protect emergency access
Summary
Michael Irriari, a driver engineer with the Richland Hills Fire Department, urged residents to trim trees and vines to a minimum 13 ft 6 in clearance above roadways, saying low-hanging limbs can slow or block emergency vehicles and other essential services.
Michael Irriari, a driver engineer with the Richland Hills Fire Department, urged residents to keep trees and vines trimmed to ensure emergency vehicles can safely access neighborhoods. "Low hanging tree limbs can create serious problems for emergency responders," he said.
Irriari said fire engines, ladder trucks and ambulances are taller and wider than passenger vehicles and that branches hanging over streets or driveways can force crews to slow down, change routes or risk damaging equipment. "Overgrowing trees can obstruct visibility and slow emergency response when every second counts," he added.
The Fire Department asks homeowners to maintain a minimum clearance of 13 ft 6 in above the roadway to allow safe passage for emergency vehicles. Keeping trees properly trimmed, the department said, also helps maintain access for school buses, sanitation trucks and other essential services.
The Richland Hills Fire Department thanked residents for their help in keeping streets safe and accessible for emergency responders.
