Investigation: Bicyclist Failed to Yield to Fire Engine

An investigation into an incident in which a Murrieta fire engine collided with a bicyclist has determined that the bicyclist failed to yield.

The morning of Nov. 18, an engine crew was leaving Murrieta Fire Station No. 2, at 40060 California Oaks Road, to respond to an emergency when the “minor, very low speed impact with a bicyclist” occurred, according to the Murrieta Fire Department.

The bicyclist, a teen boy who was traveling westbound on California Oaks toward Shivela Middle School, suffered very minor injuries, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Nathan Baer.

"He had a complaint of pain to his knee," Baer said that day, noting the boy was taken to Inland Valley Regional Medical Center because his parents were not present.

Because fire engines are commercial vehicles, the accident investigation fell under the jurisdiction of California Highway Patrol.

Click here to read Patch’s previous report regarding the incident.

On Tuesday, Murrieta Fire Department Spokesman Matt Corelli issued this statement:

“...As promised after the incident, a release explaining the events was to be completed at the conclusion of the California Highway Patrol investigation. The investigation has concluded that the bicyclist failed to yield to the fire engine as it obligated to do just as a car would upon approaching an emergency vehicle responding with lights and sirens.

“The result of the investigation also made no recommendations for future action, but stressed the importance of any vehicle, including bicyclist to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles responding to emergencies. The area where the accident occurred is very busy with cars, bicyclist, and pedestrians, and that, combined with a busy fire station requires all to use caution.

“The Murrieta Fire Department responds to almost 7,000 calls for service per year and strives to safely and efficiently deliver the best possible service to the community. We ask that the public stay alert when they hear emergency sirens and do their best to safely yield to emergency vehicles.”