The fire station was located on the opposite side of runway 4 from the United plane. To avoid crossing the runway would mean having to travel a few extra miles around the thresholds (I assume).
I guess they could have found a route that wouldn't conflict with landing aircraft, but I doubt that's a practical option most of the time.
I guess they could have found a route that wouldn't conflict with landing aircraft, but I doubt that's a practical option most of the time.