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A code 3 fire engine means business. It’s likely on its way to a motor vehicle accident (MVA), a serious medical emergency, or a structure fire. Consequently, these emergency vehicles and their crews must reach the scene without delays like traffic and parked cars. So, can fire trucks push cars out of the way to reach a burning home or business? 

Under the right circumstances, a crew might use a fire truck to push cars in the discharge of their duties

Like lane-splitting in some states, a fire truck pushing cars out of the way exists in a gray area. For instance, a close friend and firefighter I once served with reminded me that the departments he currently works with don’t have formal policies on the subject. However, he assured me that, in the event of a high-stakes emergency, a crew would push cars with a fire truck without hesitation.

Furthermore, when I say “push,” I mean push. Not ram. You won’t see a fire engine plowing through parked cars like a game of Grand Theft Auto. Instead, an operator would likely make contact and use the truck’s considerable torque to gently push a vehicle out of their path.

Of course, like breaking a parked car’s window to access a fire hydrant, fire crews would treat pushing a car with a fire truck as a last resort. In all likelihood, a crew would try to find an alternative route to get their apparatus to the scene. However, fully involved structure fires, team mayday situations, or probable rescues might warrant pushing a parked car.

A fire engine shows off its rear end and side profile as it speeds to a scene.
A speeding fire engine | MattGush via iStock

In the event of dense traffic, fire crews would use lights and sirens to alert cars that they need to pass. If motorists are distracted, or let’s face it, oblivious to the approaching fire apparatus, crews can use the tools at their disposal. For instance, many emergency vehicles have many siren tones and old-school Q-sirens to penetrate vehicle cabins and alert drivers. These monotony-breaking sounds are essential to clearing intersections and ensuring motorists steer clear. 

Admittedly, neither of us has had to push a car with a fire truck or ambulance on the job. Still, lights and sirens do a commendable job of warning motorists that a 30,000-lb fire engine is coming.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).