Middlesboro Mayor Rick Nelson, Middlesboro Police Department and Middlesboro Fire/EMS are asking the public to obey the laws during emergency situations such as house fires and traffic stops.

“Do not drive over fire department hoses,” Nelson said. “If you are caught, you will be charged.”

The urge to follow these laws comes after a house fire Saturday on Highland Avenue when crews had several issues with the public crossing over fire hoses, blocking emergency vehicles from getting to the scene, and obstructing the scene.

“You put people at risk,” he said. “It causes damage and you can be criminally charged.”

It is a state law, KRS 189.930, which is right-of-way to emergency vehicles prohibiting blocking or following emergency vehicles and driving over unprotected hoses of fire departments.

According to reports, an elderly woman and her two adult sons made it out of the home safely, but the home was a total loss.

The departments and mayor want to urge the public to follow these laws to assure the safety of those who are working to keep the community safe.