Blue Light
As volunteer firefighters, each of us knows of a fellow firefighter – whether in our own firehouse or in a neighboring department – whose personal vehicle features a blue light package worth more than the vehicle itself.

Similarly, a red and white flashing light combination is typically allowed only by an ambulance and career firefighter fire truck. Instead, a volunteer firefighter may use a blue light or green light, but the exact color and style of emergency lights depend on the municipality.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Ron Galaviz said while he encourages people to move over for blue lights, they’re not required to. “It is a courtesy light. So, what that means is that vehicle is not defined by state law as an emergency vehicle like a police car, fire truck, or an ambulance,” Galaviz said.

Courtesy lights are used to request right-of-way primarily by volunteer or on-call firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to expedite their drive in their privately owned vehicles, to their firehouse or base.

Volunteer and retained firefighters are expected to be on call to respond to emergency calls for long periods of time, and are summoned to the fire station when their services are needed. They are also expected to attend other non-emergency duties as well (training, fundraising, equipment maintenance, etc.).

Red and white combination lights are often only allowed to be used on fire department and EMS vehicles. But, some states allow tow trucks and volunteers to use red and white lighting.

Existing law authorizes specified peace officers, including, among others, police officers, members of the University of California Police Department, and members of the California National Guard, in the performance of the officers’ duties, to display a steady or flashing blue warning light visible from the front.

blue light
For volunteer fire fighters, the lights on their vehicles must be at least 35 watts. The lights must be blue light, but it can have multiple bulbs within the light as long as they are all blue. Strobe lights or flashers can be used in the place of the blue lights as well.

This does not permit any exemptions from road traffic law but does convey the intended message. We are often asked by retained firefighters if they can fit blue lights to their private cars to get to the fire station quickly when they are called out to an emergency. The simple answer is no!

Volunteer Firefighter Skills

• Operating, monitoring and maintaining fire-fighting equipment, such as hoses, extinguishers and personal protective equipment.
• Providing basic medical attention to fire and accident victims.
• Rescuing people from dangerous situations.
• Preparing accident reports.

Responding to rescue calls throughout the State, assisting people involved in domestic, industrial and transport incidents, including road accidents. Providing basic first aid until an accredited provider arrives, such as the NSW Ambulance.

Firefighters can travel at any speed they deem safe, based on the time of day, traffic and road conditions. Although there are no speed limits, firefighters are required to stop at all red lights and stop signs, and wait for traffic to clear before proceeding with caution.

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If a fabric meets the NFPA 701 standards in these three areas, the fabric is considered flame retardant and receives a NFPA 701 certification. Though NFPA 701 is the national standard, it is not a law or regulation in itself. Authority to make and enforce laws and regulations in this area is granted to state and local governments.

Although the average person is probably unaware of flame retardancy standards and regulations in the United States, this is an area that is of increasing concern for theatre staff, touring show personnel, special event planners, and even trade show exhibitors.

The IVFA wants to make everyone aware of our legislative agenda and other legislative information or actions that could affect how we operate, who we serve, and what we do as a VOLUNTEER. Upcoming IVFA & IVFAA activities and events including meetings, fundraisers, and trainings for our Districts and Departments all over the state!

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