KAWARTHA LAKES-We have approximatley 300 volunteer fire fighters who often use their own vehicles to travel to firehalls when responding to emergency calls in the City of kawartha Lakes.
These vehicles are sometimes equipped with flashing green lights that our volunteers will use to notify other drivers on the road that they are on route to an emergency.
“Due to the size of our municipality, our volunteers are often responding to calls that require a fair distance of travel,” stated Chief Mark Pankhurst, Kawartha Lakes Fire Service. “In an emergency, sometimes it can be mere seconds that makes a difference in the outcome. The green light system is a proactive measure to help notify residents that the vehicle is responding to a call and if possible, allow them to pass by.”
Volunteer fire fighters travelling to an emergency have to abide by the Highway Traffic Act, meaning that they can not speed or drive through red lights. This tool is something that is used by volunteers across Ontario to help encourage others to allow the vehicle to pass where and when it safe to do so according to the City.
“Watch for Flashing Green Light” signage is being installed across the municipality to help spread awareness and clarity on the meaning behind the lights. Kawartha Lakes Fire encourages all residents to help spread the word to those who are unaware or who have never seen the lights before.
