Merced Fire Department: Never park in front of a fire hydrant

FRESNO, Calif.

                  |   Watch Video Above for Extended Coverage   |

The photos were taken at the scene of a fire in Merced, and have been circulating online with headings like "Reasons Why You Should Never Park in front of a Fire Hydrant."

The car was blocking a hydrant in front of a fire at a marijuana grow house with 3,000 pot plants inside. But it's the car that blocked the hydrant everyone remembers.

Firemen say it's rare that they have to do this, but it's crucial to keep the hose straight, a kink could cut the water supply in half. They also say they've been "hosing" cars when necessary for decades, and expressed little sympathy for the shattered windows.

CNN contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.