Fire company raises safety concerns over drivers using Blairstown firehouse entrances

BLAIRSTOWN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Blairstown Hose Company No. 1 is urging motorists to stop using its firehouse property as a shortcut during school drop-off and pickup times, citing growing safety concerns.

In a public safety notice issued this week, the fire company said drivers have been using the firehouse at 5 Stillwater Road — located across from Blairstown Elementary School — as an entrance and exit to bypass traffic.

“We would like to give you a friendly reminder that the entrances to our firehouse are NOT an entrance or an exit to the public,” the department said.

Fire officials said the issue has become a significant concern during morning and afternoon school hours. The department reported reviewing video surveillance that showed numerous vehicles driving toward the station’s bay doors in an effort to reach the school or nearby traffic light more quickly.

“Our biggest concern, #1, is safety for the public, our Fire Department members, and most importantly at those times, your children!” the notice stated.

The department also warned drivers not to go around fire trucks entering or exiting the station while crews are responding to emergency calls.

“Please do not put our firefighters’ lives at risk by going around the apparatus,” the company said, noting it has encountered the situation multiple times.

The concerns have been shared with the Blairstown Township Police Department, which works closely with the fire company, officials said.

Blairstown Hose Company No. 1 said it remains committed to protecting residents and asked for the public’s cooperation to help keep the community safe.