Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Warn Narrow Streets Could Delay Emergency Response

The Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association (MCFCA) spoke against proposed development rules on February 11. They said they were against them because they were worried that the narrow streets in new subdivisions would greatly slow emergency reaction times.

At a public hearing, fire officials said that the county's planned road width requirements—which range from 22 to 26 feet—would make it hard for ambulances and fire trucks to get through residential areas, especially when cars are parked along the curbs. Fire Chief Jason Oliphant of Montgomery County ESD 1 asked the county to ensure that roads are at least 28 feet wide so that people can get to them in an emergency.

Jimmy Williams, the fire marshal for Montgomery County, agreed with these worries and gave the example of a resident who had to move an ambulance to make room for other cars. Williams said, "Dodging in and out of traffic is only going to make it more likely that patients will have to wait."

In answer, the county commissioners told Thomas Woolley, the director of county engineering, to work with fire officials to improve the rules. Work began on the building rules in May. There will be another public hearing at a future meeting of the Commissioners Court in Conroe.

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