Make way for firefighters if you see the green flashing light

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — If you’ve ever been driving down the street and suddenly see a flashing green light in the vehicle behind you, chances are it was a local firefighter trying to get to the station.

The question is — do you know what to do in that instance?

Of course, the courteous thing to do would be to safely pull over so the firefighter can get to where they are going.

The green light indicates that a firefighter is on their way to a fire call and time could be of the essence.

Leamington Fire Chief Andrew Baird says it’s not the law, but he’d like to see more compliance.

“As a courtesy, just let us get by,” he said. “We could be on the way to save someone you know, or even your family.”

These signs are posted at all four major road entrances to the Leamington core, reminding motorists to pull over and let firefighters by.

Leamington has 28 part-time firefighters on staff, of which there is a duty squad on each day, compiled of seven firefighters.

If a fire call goes out, the firefighters have to leave their regular job or their home and get to the fire hall as quickly and safely as they can.

If you are putting along in your 2011 Honda, they will need to get by you.

Leamington averages 10-20 fire calls per week, that range from C02 alarms, to accidents to fully involved fires.

At any time, a fire call could go out and possibly more than 20 firefighters will be trying to get to the firehall at the same time.

This is where we, as drivers in the community, can help. If you see that flashing green light in someone’s windshield, take the time to safely pull over if you can. It may save someone’s life.