Совет Фэрмонта утвердил закон о 30-футовой зоне безопасности для спасателей

FAIRMONT, W.Va (WDTV) - The Fairmont City Council has approved an ordinance establishing a 30-foot safety zone around first responders actively performing their duties. The proposal came before council for a final vote Tuesday night. Council approved the proposal, making it part of the city’s local code. Fire chief cites past interference Fairmont Fire Chief Brian Starn said first responders have dealt with people interfering at emergency scenes. “It doesn’t happen real often, but there have been instances over the years that do require that space. In fact, where we’ve had some people that would like to get in and be a problem and impede our firefighters as well as police officers,” Starn said. The rule applies only after someone receives a verbal warning and continues to interfere with or threaten a first responder. City manager says rule supports safety City leaders say the required distance will help first responders stay safe and focused during emergencies. Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser said he has consistently heard feedback from first responders about people not wanting to stay away from emergency scenes. “I have consistently heard feedback from our first responders that sometimes run into difficulty of people not wanting to stay away from the scene because everybody wants to be an onlooker. And sometimes that’s not great. It doesn’t help our first responders. It doesn’t help keep them safe,” Blosser said. How the ordinance differs from state law Unlike the state law, which can include jail time, Fairmont’s ordinance carries a fine and allows cases to be handled through municipal court. The ordinance does not prohibit recording first responders, but someone who is warned to stay back could be fined if they remain within 30 feet while interfering or threatening harm. Editor’s note: The video for this story will be added once it airs. Please check back for the updated video.