The Point Pleasant Fire Department is urging residents to refrain from touching or interfering with firefighting equipment following a dangerous incident that occurred on Friday during a structure fire on Hall Avenue.

In a strongly worded public notice, the department emphasized: “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH ANY OF OUR EQUIPMENT WITHOUT OUR SUPERVISION AND PERMISSION.” Officials stressed that the fireground is an inherently dangerous environment, and unauthorized interaction with equipment not only puts bystanders at risk but also endangers firefighters actively working to contain emergencies.

The warning comes after a resident, intending to assist, prematurely opened a fire hydrant before firefighters had fully connected the water supply line to the fire engine. As a result, the hydrant began to pressurize the hose bed before it was properly attached, causing the tightly packed 5-inch supply hoses—each weighing approximately 100 pounds dry—to rapidly and forcefully expand.

“Our engines carry between 1,000 to 2,000 feet of this hose,” the department explained. “The premature activation could have resulted in serious injury to firefighters and others on the scene, not to mention the potential disruption of the water supply while crews were actively battling flames.”

While the department appreciates the community’s desire to assist during emergencies, officials made it clear that any help must be coordinated and supervised by trained personnel to ensure safety and operational effectiveness.

“We thank our residents for their support,” the department said, “but ask that you allow our trained firefighters to do their job without interference. Your cooperation keeps everyone safe.”

The department reiterated that in emergency situations, the best way for residents to help is to stay clear of the scene and follow instructions from first responders.