The Lakewood Fire Department is warning motorists about the serious dangers of driving over fire hoses after a recent incident in which a private vehicle drove over an active hose during a fire response, causing the hose to fail and disrupting the water supply to firefighters.

In a fire safety alert issued by the department, officials stressed that hoselines are a critical lifeline for firefighters battling a blaze and protecting lives and property.

“This is our lifeline. Do not drive over it,” the department warned.

According to the department, driving over a fire hose can cause catastrophic damage, interrupt vital firefighting operations and potentially create an even larger emergency. In the recent incident, the damaged hose disrupted water flow and placed firefighters in immediate danger.

The Lakewood Fire Department is reminding motorists that if they encounter a fire hose stretched across a roadway, they should always stop and follow the directions of emergency personnel. Under no circumstances should a vehicle drive over a fire hose.