Two Byron Township Fire Department trucks were struck by drivers within a matter of weeks. No firefighters were injured in either crash. The department is now calling on drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency scenes.

Two crashes. One message.

Deputy Fire Chief Tony Bennet told News 8 that the department is urging drivers to stay aware after the repeated incidents.

"It's just one of those things that it doesn't matter. It just comes down to being distracted. We're the casualty to the whole thing," Bennet said.

The most recent crash happened on Tuesday night around 8:40 p.m. A driver crashed into a Byron Township fire truck on the eastbound M-6 ramp onto southbound US-131. The fire truck was responding to a separate vehicle fire at the time, according to News 8.

Fire officials told News 8 that alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash. The truck sustained minor damage and remains in use. However, it will need repairs to one of its sliding doors, which is currently not functional.

The February crash

The earlier crash happened on February 21 on southbound US-131 near 76th Street in Byron Township, according to the Kent County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police.

Byron Township crews were responding to a multi-vehicle collision when a driver deputies believe to have been drinking hit the back of a fire truck. The fire truck was positioned behind the original crash to block traffic and protect emergency responders.

The suspected drunk driver then bounced from the fire truck into another vehicle, which also crashed, according to the Kent County Sheriff's Office. Several drivers involved in the crashes were injured, including the suspected drunk driver. No emergency responders were hurt.

"This is exactly why we use our apparatus to protect scenes," the Byron Township Fire Department said in a Facebook post. "The truck absorbed the impact so our personnel did not, and because of that protection, they were able to immediately focus on rescue efforts."

The damage to that truck was significant enough to leave it inoperable. Deputy Fire Chief Bennet said the department will likely need to use resources from its other stations or neighboring departments to cover for the equipment loss.

A plea from first responders

The Kent County Sheriff's Office issued a public warning after the February crash.

"This should not be happening. Driving drunk is dangerous any time, but especially in bad weather," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post. "When you see emergency vehicles on the road, slow down and move over. And never get behind the wheel if you've been drinking."

The Byron Township Fire Department echoed the message.

"We are asking everyone to slow down when approaching emergency scenes," BTFD officials said. "Move over whenever possible. Pay attention to road conditions. And never drive impaired or distracted. When you see flashing lights, it is not just a truck on the roadway. It is someone's emergency. Please give responders the space they need to work safely."

Bennet told News 8 that the highway is becoming a growing safety concern for his crews.

"I know we're out there for one emergency and we always got to be vigilant of all of our surroundings, so unfortunately the highway is starting to become more of a safety issue for us," Bennet said. "The biggest thing is don't let one mistake basically affect your life or the lives of others."

He added:

"The biggest thing that we ask is just slow down and move over. I mean, it's a simple task and sometimes it is difficult. Give us the space to work, because we're trying to protect you and the people on scene."