Gapers Taking Pictures Block Firefighters Access To Fire

CHICAGO — Chicago firefighters could not get through to fight a garage fire on Tuesday afternoon because too many drivers were taking pictures and video with their cell phones. Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) took the gapers to task, calling the behavior “unacceptable.” Three garages caught fire in the 4600 block of South Washtenaw Avenue around 5 p.m.

“Unfortunately fire crews were delayed because drivers were too busy blocking the alley taking pictures and would not get out of the way of fire trucks responding to the scene,” Lopez posted on the 15th Ward Facebook page. “That is unacceptable behavior!”