Keep back 500 feet?

Question

Is it just me, or does 500 feet seem a bit much to have to stay behind a fire engine? They all have that sign on the back ( in America ). 500 feet is almost two football fields. I think you deserve a ticket if you actually abide by that law. Are they leaving something out?

Answer 1

In my state the law reads "Following within 200 feet of a fire truck which is responding to an emergency is against the law".

So 500 feet does seem a bit to far back......

Answer 2

you should remember that they will be dropping hose in the road, they have rear loading ladders and hard tubes(used in drafting water from ponds,rivers, any body of water) and it is common that more apparatus will be fallowing and will need the space behind. for example an engine will pull past an address so a ladder/tower my have the address. this being said 500 ft is alittle far.lastly none of the engines in my compnanies have keep back sizes, but I have seen them so they are ether company mandated or by city,township, state, but not by the NFPA-national fire protection agency.

FireFighter 7 years

Answer 3

It may seem like a bit much,  but remember that the fire truck may have to stop to tie hose to hydrant,  equipment may bounce off,  quick  braking to turn,  etc.   Better be safe than sorry,  you don't want to be the one to run over the equipment,  hit the truck or a fireman.      Stay back!