See green lights, pull over

Flashing green lights are used by volunteer firefighters to get to the firehall quickly when a call goes out. Motorists are asked to pull over, if safe, when they see a flashing green light behind them. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Tillsonburg Fire Department wants to remind people if they see the green flashing lights of a volunteer firefighter answering a call, they need to pull over if safe to do so.

Sarah Barclay, fire prevention officer, said time is precious when firefighters are answering a call.

If we’re able to go to the firehall quicker and safer, the quicker we’ll get to the emergency,” she said.

Firefighters have been noticing some motorists haven’t been pulling over, and imagine it’s because they moved to Tillsonburg from somewhere that didn’t have volunteer firefighters.

“The way Tillsonburg has grown, there are so many people who moved here from somewhere else and don’t what the flashing green light is,” she said.

For instance, Toronto has a full-time department, and drivers there may not be aware of the green flashing lights volunteer firefighters put in their vehicles.