The Calgary Fire Department’s (CFD) engines will now be equipped with blue lights in a bid to increase safety for first responders and members of the public during emergency responses.
The city announced the launch of a pilot project Thursday, explaining research has consistently shown that blue lights significantly enhance visibility in low-light environments, including adverse weather conditions.
Adding blue lights to engines was supported and re-suggested by a senior firefighter within the CFD, as well as Coun. Jennifer Wyness. The city says the process has taken months of work and advocacy.
The province is allowing the city to trial the lights for one year, where blue lights will be installed in 12 vehicles — 11 engines and one rescue vehicle — with reporting protocols to track all incidents involving collisions or near misses for engines fitted with blue lights.
The city says this data will be vital in assessing the impact of the blue light engine initiative on overall safety outcomes.
CFD says the 12 vehicles that were selected are engines that respond to a high volume of motor vehicle collision in high traffic areas, such as along Deerfoot Trail.
Blue lights will only be activated when the fire engine is parked. The lights will be installed on both the front and rear of the engines, which will enhance visibility from all angles and alert motorists that emergency responders are on the road.
This initiative follows similar protocol that has been recently introduced for tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles.
“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. We appreciate the collaborative efforts of all involved in securing this approval and anticipate positive outcomes for our staff and community,” Deputy Chief Pete Steenaerts said in a press release.
Wyness says she is proud to have advocated for the fire department in securing approval for the use of blue lights on fire trucks.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to prioritizing safety and collaborating with the Calgary Police Service to implement solutions that benefit everyone on the road,” she said.