Fire lanes are areas reserved alongside a building for fire and emergency personnel to park and drive through in case of an emergency. Although guidelines are provided by the National Fire Protection Association, official national standards have not been established by the Department of Transportation, so specifics are often left up to the municipality.
Construction Materials
Although most fire lanes are constructed out of asphalt, they must be constructed of a hard, all-weather surface capable of supporting the heaviest emergency equipment in the particular municipality.
Adjacent Roads
Fire lanes constructed against adjacent roads must have two-foot curb cuts on either side of the fire lane adjacent to the road. This is necessary to provide a turning radius for large emergency equipment.
Width
Fire lanes providing one way of travel should be at least 16 feet in width and those providing two lanes should be at least 24 feet.
Penalties
Local law enforcement is responsible for issuing traffic tickets and summonses for those parking, idling or driving in fire lanes. More severe charges can be pressed for violations that occur during an emergency. Local authorities are responsible for marking off the area clearly.
Winter Weather
Local fire departments are responsible for formulating a plan for winter weather so that snow or ice does not block the fire lane. Local home and business owners must also keep fire lanes clear of objects like dumpsters or displays at all times.
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