Pickering Fire Services launches digital alerting system for fire trucks

Pickering Fire Services is implementing a new digital alerting system designed to warn drivers when emergency vehicles are approaching or stopped at an incident, the City of Pickering announced on November 10, 2026.

The HAAS Alert Safety Cloud system gives motorists up to 30 seconds of advance warning to slow down, move over and exercise caution. Alerts are delivered through in-vehicle dashboards and navigation apps including Waze and Apple Maps, and the system also warns drivers when emergency vehicles are stopped at an incident and crews may be working nearby.

In-vehicle dashboard alerts are available in 2018 and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles, as well as 2024 and newer Volkswagen vehicles.

The first installation is complete on Ladder 55, which is in service and actively responding from Station 5. A total of 12 trucks will be equipped with the system, with implementation continuing over the next several weeks.

"When our community needs us, every second counts," said Fire Chief Steve Boyd. "Getting our crews to emergencies quickly and safely, while protecting them as they work on scene, is critical. This technology gives motorists more time to make safe decisions on the road, while incorporating public safety alerts into navigation apps and in-vehicle technology that many people already use every day."

The technology supports Ontario's Slow Down, Move Over law, which requires motorists to slow down, signal and move over for emergency vehicles.