Plea to motorists not to park outside fire stations following 'repeated incidents'

Fire service says one vehicle was left parked and locked in front of appliance bay

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service has issued a plea to vehicle drivers not to park or turn outside the Island's fire stations.

It follows what it says are 'repeated incidents' where vehicles have obstructed appliance bays or used station forecourts as turning circles.

In one recently reported incident at Douglas Fire Station, a vehicle was parked directly in front of the appliance bay and the driver locked the vehicle before leaving to collect passengers from a nearby restaurant. 

The fire service says, had firefighters needed to respond to an emergency, this would have delayed appliances leaving the station - putting lives and property at risk.

The areas directly outside each fire station are strictly prohibited, as marked by no access signs.

However, the fire and rescue service says vehicles have been using fire station forecourts to turn around, creating hazards for members of the public, fire service personnel and appliances entering or leaving the station.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service says: “We’re asking everyone to help us keep our forecourts clear. A few minutes of convenience for one person could cost precious minutes in an emergency for someone else.”

“We rely on our community to help us keep everyone safe. Please don’t park or turn in front of fire stations - help us reach those who need us most.”

People are being reminded to:

• Never park in front of or near fire station appliance bays - even for a short time.
• Avoid driving onto fire station forecourts to turn vehicles.
• Be alert to flashing lights and sirens - appliances may leave at any moment.
• Not to park in fire station car parks, which are reserved for on-call firefighters responding to calls