BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --
When it comes to a fire, homicide, or other emergency, nothing should stand in the way of first responders, but oftentimes there is an obstacle -- in the form of guard dogs. That's what happened Thursday morning when firefighters tried to put out a fire at a mobile home in Oildale.
"It was difficult for us to make access onto the actual property because of dogs in the yard," said firefighter Capt. Greg Sanchez.
The dogs would not let them onto the property even after firefighters sprayed water on them. So, firefighters had to put the fire out from the neighbor's yard. It's a problem firefighters and police say is common.
"There are a few times when you've got to wait until somebody's there to get their dogs out of the way for us to get in," said Sanchez.
That means a delay when time is of the essence.
"But at times if we got a medical aid call where we have to get into a house, we have to wait until somebody moves their dog, so there definitely can be some time lag," said Sanchez.
That can mean the difference between life and death. But it's not just victims who can be in danger -- so can firefighters or law enforcement.
Last week, a dog attacked a sheriff's deputy who came into its yard while searching for a fugitive. The dog latched on and was literally dangling from the deputy's armpit. It's one of many concerns first responders face. But first responders and dog owners agree, there's nothing they can do.
We spoke to fire and police officials who say they often just spray aggressive guard dogs with water or call animal control to restrain them when they need help. Usually that takes care of the problem.
As for that mobile home fire, no one was home at the time and there was no major damage.
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