A vehicle owner was cited after their vehicle blocked a fire hydrant at the scene of a fire in the early morning Sunday, Aug. 10.

According to the Minot Fire Department, units were called to the scene of an outdoor fire around 2:34 a.m. to extinguish a large pile of burning materials that had begun spreading toward a nearby home.

A second unit was instructed to connect a hydrant line to the initial engine, but the closest and only hydrant available was blocked by a parked vehicle. This obstruction prevented crews from accessing the hydrant and delayed establishing a water supply. Firefighters adapted by transferring water from another truck, allowing the fire to be extinguished without injury.

The Minot Fire Department reminds the public that parking in front of or too close to a fire hydrant can seriously delay emergency response and put lives and property at risk.