Understanding Green Flashing Lights in East Gwillimbury

Understanding Green Flashing Lights in East Gwillimbury

A Lifesaving Signal from Your Community's Firefighters

In an emergency, seconds count and every moment on the road matters. That’s why East Gwillimbury Fire and Emergency Service (EGFES) is urging the public to recognize and respect green flashing lights on personal vehicles. This is a signal that a Paid On-Call Firefighter is responding to an emergency.

Green flashing lights are not just decorative - they are a vital part of emergency response in the community. When a Paid On-Call Firefighter receives notification of an emergency, they must travel from their home, workplace, or daily activity to the fire station as quickly and safely as possible to gather their gear and respond to the incident. The use of a green flashing light on a personal vehicle serves as a courtesy signal to let other drivers know that the firefighter is on their way to the fire station to respond to an emergency.

While green lights are not the same as red or blue emergency vehicle lights and do not give firefighters the right of way or exempt them from traffic laws, yielding when safe to do so is strongly encouraged. It's a simple act of community support that could make a big difference.

EGFES asks all drivers to be aware of this signal and to act with caution and courtesy when they see a green flashing light. By doing so, they are helping neighbours and supporting those who serve the community in critical moments.

To learn more about East Gwillimbury’s fire department, visit eastgwillimbury.ca/FES.

For more information:

Bethany Lee
Director of Communications and Customer Service
blee@eastgwillimbury.ca