A recent incident involving firefighters smashing the windows of a car to access a fire hydrant has lit up the internet, with opinions sharply divided.
Imagine returning to your car only to find the windows shattered. Annoying, right?
But what if you knew your car was blocking emergency access during a fire? Would that change your perspective, or would you still be fuming?
This very scenario is at the center of a heated debate on social media.
On June 20, FDNY Response Videos posted footage of a blaze at 3045 3rd Avenue in the Bronx, showing firefighters taking drastic measures to fight the fire.
In the contentious video, a firefighter is seen breaking a car’s windows to snake a hose through to a hydrant.
It’s critical to mention that, according to the New York City Department of Transportation, the car was parked illegally, too close to the hydrant.
The website states: “It is illegal to park within 15 feet of either side of a fire hydrant, including on floating parking lanes (next to protected bike lanes).”
Despite this, some netizens on Reddit questioned the necessity of the window-smashing.
“Wtf? At first I was like yeah f*** that guy for parking in front of the hydrant but this is ridiculous, they had plenty of room,” one user expressed.
“That was wholly unnecessary and that hose could’ve gone over the hood or over the top of the car. Instead it’s kinked up passing through the car and hitting all that shattered glass. This seems more like a temper tantrum from the fire fighter,” another chimed in.
“No one can convince me this was necessary lol,” a third remarked.
“I dont get it, it seems like it could have easily been avoided and would be less work for the firemen as well,” noted another.
While the backlash was notable, some defended the firefighting tactic.
“I am a German firefighter. At 7:00 p.m. this I never saw in Germany. The NY Firefighter, he destroys the window on both sides. Very good job.” one person supported.
“That’s why you don’t park near the fire hydrant,” another pointed out.
“Never park/block a hydrant.. FDNY will destroy your car,” a third supporter added.
So, what’s your take? Was the firefighter’s window-smashing move a necessary part of doing his job, or was it an over-the-top reaction?