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You’ve probably heard of firefighters damaging vehicles, smashing car windows, and even cutting holes in roofs to battle blazes. Hell, you may have even seen social media shorts and YouTube videos of public safety professionals bashing the windows out of a parked car to access a hydrant. So, is it legal for the fire department to damage your car to get to an emergency scene?

Firefighters can exercise proper judgment in the amount of damage they can deal to your car to better protect lives and property in an emergency

Unfortunately, public safety personnel damage private property from time to time. Of course, fire departments and other agencies don’t encourage their professionals to smash windows or push cars. However, some circumstances, especially those emergencies endangering life and limb, warrant extreme measures.

Consequently, it isn’t illegal for firefighters to work on or, in some cases, through your parked vehicle. Fire department professionals, first and foremost, exist to save lives and property. That could mean prioritizing the occupants and lifetime of treasures in someone’s home over your car’s windows.  

For instance, my former fire department advises firefighters to find creative and intelligent solutions to obstacles. However, when absolutely necessary, one of those solutions may involve running a five-inch hose through an illegally parked car’s window and into a hydrant.

That doesn’t mean firefighters wake up at 3:00 AM bubbling with excitement to vandalize private property. Quite the opposite, really. Public safety professionals would rather work as far away from your vehicle as possible, get the job done quickly and safely, and depart.

Still, sometimes collateral damage like broken car windows and crashes is the nature of firefighting. For instance, in 2020, fire trucks were involved in nearly 350 crashes, per Hartley Law. Tragically, some fire apparatus accidents involve moving or parked cars while traveling at high speeds in a code three response.

Fortunately, if your fire department professionals break your windows or damage your car, you can file an insurance claim. Depending on the circumstances of the damage, your provider will likely find a solution by paying out or seeking restitution from the property or local government.

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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).