Are fire trucks able to change traffic lights to green?

Yes. One stoplight in Clayton (Highway 70 Business/Robertson Street) is equipped with a special receiver that reacts to a special light on emergency apparatus. This signal turns the traffic lights which the emergency vehicle is approaching to green (including the turn lane), and all other lights are changed to red. This allows safe passage of the emergency vehicle(s) through a rather busy intersection with multiple turn lanes. This signal is approved through the North Carolina Department of Transportation and is only used for emergency events.

Show All Answers

1. Why do fire trucks sometimes travel with their lights and siren on, and then all of a sudden turn them off?
2. My fire alarm went off and I contacted my alarm company and told them everything was OK and not to send the Fire Department and they still showed up, why?
3. Can I be fined for false fire alarms? What constitutes a false alarm?
4. Where can I get a copy of a fire report and is there a fee?
5. What do I do after a fire?
6. Can I burn my yard debris or trash in my yard?
7. I tried calling the non-emergency number but no one answered, why?
8. When I called 911, the person kept asking me a bunch of questions and all I needed was a fire truck. Why don’t they just send the fire truck?
9. What are the work hours of fire department personnel?
10. Aren’t firefighters wasting water when they open up a hydrant and just let it run? Why do they do that?
11. Why do firefighters come to my business and get information?
12. Is there a law that requires other vehicles to move out of the way for emergency vehicles?
13. Are fire trucks able to change traffic lights to green?
14. Why are fire trucks taken to the grocery store or restaurants?
15. How much does the gear and equipment the firefighters carry weigh?
16. How do I schedule a fire truck to come to my school, daycare, or other event?
17. Do the fire stations have a fire pole? If not, Why?
18. Do the fire trucks have water in them?
19. Does the fire department have a volunteer, junior or explorer program?