A pair of Osceola County firefighters heading to a brush fire in Polk County were hospitalized after a car slammed into their brush truck Saturday night.
The collision shut down the intersection of Marigold and KOA streets in Poinciana, WESH 2 News reported.
The collision prompted the men's battalion chief, Brett Carroll, to make a safety appeal.
Officials said the collision is a good example of the dangers first responders face even before they get to their destination.
The Osceola County brush truck was going through an intersection, with its lights on and sirens blaring, when the highway patrol said a white Mitsubishi Eclipse collided with it.
According to officials, firefighters were responding to Polk County where a brush fire was getting too close to homes.
"We were responding to the brush fire also. I just wanted to make sure my guys were OK," Carroll said.
Carroll said the two firefighters complained of bumps and bruises and were sent to the hospital mainly as a precaution. Two people in the other car also went to the hospital with minor injuries.
The truck hit a light pole and officials said it is a safety concern. The intersection was shut down after the collision to make sure the pole was stable; it was reopened later that night.
The Department of Transportation was called in to see if the entire traffic signal will have to be replaced.
Carroll said drivers need to be cautious when they hear or see emergency vehicles.
"Pull over to the side of the road in a legal manner, in the way you're supposed to and yield the right of way for emergency vehicles. Not only for their safety but the responders safety as well," he said.
One investigator said it appears the driver of the white car yielded for one fire truck, not realizing the brush truck was close behind.
To comment on this story, send an e-mail to Bob Kealing.
