The Burning Question: How Far Away From a Fire Hydrant Should You Park in Boston? (Spoiler Alert: It's Not About the Heat)
Ah, Boston. City of history, chowder, and apparently, a burning desire to know exactly how far away you should park from a fire hydrant. Fear not, fellow curb crawler, for this definitive guide will extinguish any flames of confusion (metaphorically speaking, of course).
The Ten-acious Rule: The Key to Hydrant Harmony
Here's the sizzling truth: in Boston, you absolutely must not park within ten feet of a fire hydrant. Ten whole feet! That's the length of a grumpy cat, a particularly dramatic toddler's tantrum, or two very enthusiastic poodles on a walk. Basically, it's not that far, so don't even think about trying to squeeze in "just for a sec." The fire department takes their hydrants seriously, and a rogue parker could be looking at a toasty ticket (pun fully intended).
The Great Hydrant Heist: Why the Fuss?
So, why the ten-foot frenzy? It all boils down to (you guessed it) fire safety. Firefighters need quick and easy access to these hydrants in case of an emergency. Every second counts when a building is ablaze, and having to navigate around a poorly parked car is the last thing they need. Think of it as giving our fire crew a red-carpet entrance to the hydrant.
Dodging the Drip-Ticket Blues: How to Be a Hydrant Hero
Here are some golden rules to avoid a hydrant-related headache:
- Tape it, Don't Park it: When in doubt, park further away. Ten feet is the minimum, but feel free to add some extra buffer for peace of mind.
- Eye on the Prize (Hydrant): Be extra vigilant on streets with lots of parked cars. Those hydrants can be sneaky, camouflaged by a sea of bumpers.
- Trust No Mirror: Don't rely solely on your rearview mirror to judge the distance. Get out and take a peek if necessary. Those things are deceiving!
By following these simple tips, you'll be a hydrant hero, a parking pro, and most importantly, someone who won't be lighting a fire in the wrong place (i.e., your wallet).
Hydrant FAQs:
How to measure 10 feet?
Use your best judgment, or improvise with a long stick (not a weapon, please!) If all else fails, err on the side of caution and park further away.
How much is a parking ticket for being too close to a hydrant?
In Boston, you can expect to shell out a cool $100 for a hydrant violation. Ouch!
How can I be sure there's a fire hydrant on the street?
Look for those bright red posts sticking out of the ground. They're usually pretty hard to miss, but hey, stranger things have happened!
How do I report a car parked too close to a hydrant?
While not recommended, you can contact the Boston Transportation Department if you see a major hydrant hogger. But honestly, just don't be that guy yourself.
How awesome is this guide?
Highly subjective, but we think it's pretty fire (get it?).
