By Yisroel R.

The FDNY is stepping up enforcement against drivers who park in front of fire hydrants. Instead of giving regular parking tickets, officials say they are now issuing criminal violations in certain cases for vehicles blocking hydrants.

Fire officials say the change comes after several incidents where parked cars delayed firefighters from connecting to hydrants while responding to serious fires. In one case last February, crews responding to a fire at a Buddhist center in the Bronx found a car blocking the hydrant. Two people died in that fire. Firefighters had to run longer water lines, costing valuable time.

Similar situations happened again throughout the year, including a fire on Jerome Avenue where a food truck was parked in front of a hydrant. Officials say every delay increases the risk to residents and to firefighters working at the scene.

City data shows 311 complaints about cars blocking hydrants have increased by 157 percent over the past six years, rising from 62,126 complaints to 165,021. Parts of Queens and Brooklyn were among the areas with the highest number of complaints.

Drivers who receive the criminal violations must appear in court. So far, 10 have been issued, with fines ranging from $2,500 to $4,000.

FDNY says the goal is to discourage the behavior before it leads to more danger. FDNY hopes that by issuing criminal violations, drivers will think twice before parking in front of a hydrant.