Durham chair urges drivers to slow down, move over after three Uxbridge firefighters hit

Durham Regional Chair John Henry urged drivers to slow down and move over around stopped emergency vehicles after three Uxbridge Fire Department firefighters were seriously injured on Nov. 16 when they were struck by a vehicle at Wagg Road and Highway 47.

Henry linked the appeal to the collision and said first responders need space to work safely. He said slowing down and moving over when emergency lights are flashing is a legal requirement.

“Last night (November 16), while responding to a collision on Wagg Road and Highway 47, three firefighters of the Uxbridge Fire Department sustained serious injuries when they were struck by an approaching vehicle,” Henry said in a statement.

“This incident reminds us of the risks emergency responders face every time they answer the call,” he said. “I urge all residents to slow down and move over when you see emergency vehicles stopped with lights flashing. This isn’t just the law—it’s about saving lives.”

Henry thanked the Durham Regional Police Service, Uxbridge Fire Department, Region of Durham Paramedic Services, Ornge, and other first responders involved.

The Region of Durham issued the statement from Whitby on Nov. 17 on behalf of Henry, who serves as Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer.

No additional operational details were provided in the statement beyond the location, the date of the collision, and that three firefighters sustained serious injuries.