Flashing Green Lights: What They Mean and How You Can Help - Supporting Volunteer Firefighters in North Stormont
The Township of North Stormont is proud to be served by dedicated volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies at all hours of the day and night. When every second counts, these firefighters may be travelling to the fire station or directly to an emergency scene in their personal vehicles.
To help identify firefighters responding to an emergency, Ontario's Highway Traffic Act permits authorized firefighters to use a flashing green light on their personal vehicles while proceeding to a fire or other emergency.
What Does a Flashing Green Light Mean?
A flashing green light indicates that an authorized volunteer firefighter is responding to an emergency call. The light alerts other road users that the firefighter is attempting to reach an emergency as quickly and safely as possible.
You may see flashing green lights on personal vehicles travelling to:
- A fire station to respond with emergency apparatus.
- A fire, medical, rescue, or other emergency incident.
- Community emergencies requiring fire department assistance.
What Should Drivers Do?
If you see a vehicle displaying a flashing green light:
If it is safe to do so:
- Slow down and remain alert.
- Yield the right-of-way.
- Pull over safely to allow the vehicle to pass.
- Avoid blocking intersections or narrow roadways. Continue driving once it is safe to do so.
Your courtesy can help firefighters arrive sooner and improve emergency response times for residents in need.
Important to Know
While flashing green lights identify a firefighter responding to an emergency, they do not provide the driver with the same legal privileges as an emergency vehicle such as a fire truck, ambulance, or police vehicle. Volunteer firefighters must continue to obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals.
Likewise, motorists are not legally required to pull over for a vehicle displaying a flashing green light. Yielding is a voluntary courtesy that helps support emergency response efforts in rural and volunteer fire departments across Ontario.
Why It Matters
North Stormont's volunteer firefighters leave their homes, workplaces, family gatherings, and even their beds in the middle of the night to answer emergency calls. By recognizing the flashing green light and safely yielding when possible, you help ensure firefighters can reach those in need without unnecessary delays.
Together, we can support a faster, safer emergency response for our community.
Remember:
See a flashing green light? If it is safe to do so, slow down, yield the right-of-way, and let them pass. Your courtesy could help save valuable time during an emergency.
