In June of last year, Central Elgin municipal council approved the installation of information signs regarding the flashing green light used by Central Elgin Fire Rescue volunteer firefighters.
These signs inform drivers to yield to vehicles with flashing green lights, as they are volunteer firefighters responding to a call.
While large cities have emergency vehicles operated by full-time personnel who use the traditional red lights and sirens, smaller municipalities rely on volunteers who usually respond to emergencies in their own vehicles, whether they’re at work, out with their family, or at home.
The green lights are used as an identifier to other drivers, letting them know that there is an emergency and that they should allow the firefighter to get to the site of the emergency without delay.
This summer, these awareness signs have been posted at four locations along Sunset Road and Highway 3.
“This initiative is intended to help make drivers aware and remind them to keep an eye out for the green flashing lights on our roads,” said Mayor Andrew Sloan. “On behalf of council, I would like to thank residents for supporting community safety and yielding to our volunteer firefighters at these critical times.”
Written by: Emily Ryckman
