The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan has issued an official appeal to the public regarding irregular vehicle parking, which significantly complicates emergency rescue operations.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing the Ministry, that the warning comes ahead of the upcoming non-working days scheduled for the Novruz and Ramadan holidays, during which citizens frequently park vehicles in and around residential courtyards.
"Observations and analysis of fire-rescue operations show that, in many cases, vehicles parked haphazardly at building entrances, in courtyards, on roadways, or near fire water supply systems obstruct the movement of firefighting and rescue equipment. This prevents large-scale special-purpose vehicles from reaching operational readiness and complicates, or sometimes makes impossible, the extraction of water from hydrants and reservoirs during fire suppression," the Ministry stated.
In light of these risks, the Ministry of Emergency Situations urges citizens to park personal vehicles only in designated areas, maintaining sufficient distance between cars to ensure the free passage of emergency machinery. Proper parking is essential for the effective execution of life-saving operations and the unhindered access of special-purpose equipment to residential buildings during emergencies in Azerbaijan.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations is responsible for protecting the population from natural and man-made disasters. During national holidays in Azerbaijan, the ministry typically shifts to an enhanced mode of operation to ensure public safety. Novruz, the traditional Persian New Year, and Ramadan are among the most significant public holidays in the country, often involving large family gatherings and increased traffic density in urban residential sectors.
