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Published on 11/25/1996 All articles from this issue

Fire marshall says LAH driveways need to be wider

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By Clyde Noel / Town Crier Staff Writer

Los Altos Hills driveways could stand to be about a foot wider than many of them are, a Los Altos County Fire Protection District official told the city council last week.

Fire Marshall Dan Dunlap noted there are problems associated with getting fire equipment into a driveway less than 14 feet wide in Los Altos Hills. Dunlap is concerned because he said Los Altos Hills is the only city with driveways less than 14 feet in width. The standard width countywide is around 15 feet.

Speaking at the council's Nov. 20 meeting, Dunlap said 14 feet should be the minimum width, but 15 feet would be more desirable.

Dunlap said the width of a fire engine is 8 feet, 6 inches, bumper to bumper. However, the width becomes 14 feet, 6 inches with both doors of the truck cab opened wide.

"You will notice when firefighters get out of the cab with their heavy coats and breathing apparatus on, there is no room to maneuver," Dunlap said. "There is also the ladder to consider, so you can see we really need more than 14 feet to maneuver in a driveway when we are called to a fire."

Dunlap said the narrow driveways force firefighters and fire trucks to run over shrubbery and consider other inconvenient options.

"We break the sprinklers and in many cases where we can't get up the driveway, the firefighters have to carry their equipment and that is precious time wasted," he said. "In addition, we need room at the head of the driveway because we need room for three-to-four pieces of equipment."

Council member Toni Casey asked whether the town could reduce the paved area but keep a 12-foot paved driveway and a 3-foot shoulder with no vegetation.

Dunlap said the heavy equipment could be a problem on areas not paved, and, on long driveways, the fire department is concerned with meeting oncoming traffic.

Los Altos Hills Mayor Sid Hubbard suggested establishing a minimum of 14 feet. "I have seen some fires where the equipment is scratched and I am sympathetic to the fire companies problems," he said.

"Some of our driveways go from 7 to 15 feet, and we need an ordinance to help the planning commission make decisions."