New York statute

N.Y. Penal Law § 195.15 — Obstructing firefighting operations

Current through 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17)

Part of Article 195: Official Misconduct and Obstruction of Public Servants Generally, New York Penal Law.

Criminal charges under this statute

Obstructing firefighting operations

Full text of N.Y. Penal Law § 195.15

Statutory text current through the 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17). This publication reproduces the text of the Consolidated Laws of New York as provided by the New York State Senate's Open Legislation service (Legislative Bill Drafting Commission statutory text); it is not the official statutes of the State of New York.

N.Y. Penal Law § 195.15Primary source, current through the 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17)

195.15 Obstructing firefighting operations. A person is guilty of obstructing firefighting operations when he or she intentionally and unreasonably obstructs the efforts of any: 1. firefighter in extinguishing a fire, or prevents or dissuades another from extinguishing or helping to extinguish a fire; 2. firefighter, police officer or peace officer in performing his or her duties in circumstances involving an imminent danger created by an explosion, threat of explosion or the presence of toxic fumes or gases; or 3. firefighter performing emergency medical care on a sick or injured person. Obstructing firefighting operations is a class A misdemeanor.

Official sources

Official OLLS publication (Title download)

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

What class of misdemeanor is obstructing firefighting operations in New York?

Obstructing firefighting operations is a Class A Misdemeanor in New York under N.Y. Penal Law § 195.15.

Which New York statute covers obstructing firefighting operations?

Obstructing firefighting operations is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 195.15 (Obstructing firefighting operations).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.