Here's why some Calgary fire engines will have blue flashing lights
The Calgary Fire Department is launching a pilot project testing out the use of blue lights on fire trucks.
In a news release Thursday, the City of Calgary said the initiative is aimed at improving the safety of first responders and the public during emergencies.
“This initiative represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of first responders, victims of collisions and others at collision scenes while working on the side of busy roadways,” the city said.
“Research has consistently shown that blue lights significantly enhance visibility in low-light environments, including adverse weather conditions.”
The provincial government granted approval for a trial period of one year, which will see blue lights installed in 12 vehicles.
Reporting protocols will be in place to track collisions and near misses for engines with blue lights.
The vehicles selected for the project respond to a high volume of collisions in high-traffic areas, such as Deerfoot Trail.
The lights, installed on both the front and rear of fire engines, will be activated when the vehicles are parked.
"The safety of our CFD personnel is paramount, and the addition of blue lights to our fleet is an important measure to enhance their visibility and safety while on duty,” deputy Chief Pete Steenaerts said in the release.
A similar protocol was recently introduced for tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
3 injured after man with knife enters Montreal-area mosque
Three men were injured after trying to subdue a man armed with a knife during afternoon prayers at a Montreal-area mosque Friday afternoon.
Police arrest 18-year-old woman who allegedly stole Porsche and ran over its owner
Police have arrested an 18-year-old woman who allegedly stole a Porsche and then ran over its owner in an incident that was captured on video.
Woman nearly shut out of mother's estate sues brother in B.C. Supreme Court – and wins
Since she was a young girl growing up in Vancouver, Ginny Lam says her mom Yat Hei Law made it very clear she favoured her son William, because he was her male heir.
Teen arrested in New Brunswick after emergency alert; 5 people in custody
A 15-year-old boy who was the subject of an emergency alert in New Brunswick has been arrested.
Kamala Harris tells Oprah any intruder to her home is 'getting shot'
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris on Thursday issued a warning to any potential home intruder: 'If somebody breaks in my house, they're getting shot.'
On the trail of the mystery woman whose company licensed exploding pagers
What Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, 49, the Italian-Hungarian CEO and owner of Hungary-based BAC Consulting, says she hasn't done is make the exploding pagers that killed 12 people and wounded more than 2,000 in Lebanon this week.
Woman shot by B.C. police was Colombian refugee with young daughter, advocate says
Advocates have identified the woman who died this week after being shot by police in Surrey, B.C., as a South American refugee who was raising a young daughter.
'We're still pushing hard': Search for missing Manitoba boy continues, RCMP find tracks
The search for a missing six-year-old boy in Shamattawa is continuing Friday as RCMP hope recent tips can help lead to a happy conclusion.
Video released of person of interest after cat is allegedly set on fire in Orillia, Ont.
Provincial police investigating the death of a cat that was allegedly set on fire in Orillia earlier this week released surveillance video of a person of interest in the case.