ANAHEIM : Firefighters May Get OK to Issue Tickets

Firefighters may soon have the authority to issue traffic citations to motorists who illegally park near fire hydrants.

Under a new ordinance introduced by the City Council this week, the city’s fire marshal, deputies and captains would also be able to issue the tickets.

The ordinance will be voted on at the council’s meeting next week and, if approved, will go into effect in 30 days.

Fire Chief Jeff Bowman issued a staff report to the council detailing the hassles firefighters face when confronted with an illegally parked vehicle.

He said fire personnel must contact police, traffic officers or other city employees who are authorized to issue citations, which causes delays and confusion.

The new plan would eliminate the need for a second party and would help firefighters continue their work without delay, the report said.

Tickets are issued if a vehicle is parked, attended or unattended, in a fire lane or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.