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By Courtney Almeida

Beaverlodge Fire Department reminds drivers to slow down for emergency vehicles

Jan 29, 2019 | 11:00 AM

The Beaverlodge Fire Department is reminding drivers to yield to emergency vehicles on the roadway. The departments fire engines are equipped with 360-degree cameras which can be used against drivers who fail to do so.

“Ultimately, if we’re in the middle of responding to a call and we’re talking about seconds counting, and people are not yielding to the right of way… it can be life or death for somebody else, “says, Stan Metcalfe, Fire Chief for Beaverlodge Fire Department.

As of late, the 360-degree camera has been used because of safety concerns after initially being used for training. The department says in the past year, its been used to fine drivers over a dozen times.

Metcalfe says the biggest issue comes from “Vehicles either not yielding to emergency vehicles or passing emergency vehicles that are on their way to an emergency”.

By law in Alberta, drivers are expected to slow down to 60km/h when approaching an emergency vehicle. Failure to comply with  the law can result in fines upwards of $200.

The safety of all parties involved are of utmost concern. “At the end of the day, your putting peoples lives at risk. Not only the general public but first responders,” says Metcalfe.

He explains, “I mean, we get a very narrow margin to work with on the side of the highway when we are there.”

The departments truck is a Spartan Metro Star fire truck that was custom built for the Beaverlodge department in 2013. Camera technology was initially installed to be used as a safety tool for training purposes. Particularly, for post-incident reviews.

Metcalfe explains,” We can look back on a fire and see exactly what we did throughout the entire call.”  

Recordings begin as soon as emergency warning signals are activated. The tool can be used to assess fire behaviour and progression, in addition to what went right and what can be done better in the future.

by Courtney Almeida