Flashing green lights in vehicles should help firefighters respond faster

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

When you see green flashing lights, pull over and you might help save the life of someone you know.
It’s the biggest reason High Prairie town council adopted the Flashing Green Lights Bylaw at is July 12 meeting.
The bylaw allows High Prairie firefighters to install a mobile flashing green light in their vehicle. While responding to an emergency call, they activate the lights. When other motorists see the lights, they pull over to allow them to get to their destination more quickly.
At earlier meetings, Mayor Linda Cox and Councillor Donna Deynaka opposed the bylaw. However, their concerns were addressed July 12 and the motion passed with none opposed.
Council heard the lights were already purchased at $14 each before the bylaw was passed. Fire chief Ken Melnyk did not attend the meeting, and sent Trevor Cisaroski in his place to forward his concerns and answer questions.
Melnyk asked council to consider that Big Lakes County approved the flashing green lights for their departments March 9, and asked council how they would deal with the lights when county firefighters drove through town to attend a call. Melnyk wanted to avoid confusion.
“It’s sort of a province-wide initiative,” said Cisaroski.
He added from personal experience the lights worked. He told council he was caught in a lineup outside town borders and no one allowed him to pass.
“If I had identification…it would have helped,” he said.
Concerns that children of firefighters may use the lights improperly were addressed. Cisaroski said all firefighters were instructed to talk to their children and inform them the lights were not a toy.
Council also heard the lights do not give firefighters the right to break the law.
“It’s not giving you a ticket to go blasting through red lights,” said Cisaroski.
The lights are mobile devices. Once a fire- fighter quits, the lights are returned to the department.