What should you do if you encounter a fire hose stretched across the road?

When you encounter a fire hose stretched across the road, waiting for permission to drive over it is the appropriate response. Fire hoses can be critical for firefighting efforts, and driving over them can cause damage to the hose, potentially hindering emergency operations and putting lives at risk. Firefighters may be using the hose to deliver water to combat a fire, and they often need to maintain the integrity and functionality of the equipment.

Choosing to wait for permission shows respect for the emergency responders' work and ensures that the situation is managed safely. Emergency personnel may signal when it's safe to proceed if it is necessary for traffic to continue, but until then, it is best to remain where you are. Taking an alternate route is also a viable option and is often recommended when there's significant obstruction, as it allows you to avoid the scene entirely—but not without consulting with emergency responders first when possible.