Casper fire engines and other fire department vehicles will stop at all red lights and stop signs under a new driving policy, according to the Casper Fire Department.

"People aren't used to seeing fire engines stopped," said Public Information Officer Justin Smith.

The new policy aims to provide safer emergency response and reduce collisions with other vehicles at intersections.

"Our mission is to protect lives, not endanger them," said Fire Chief Mark Young.

The policy also includes the use of excessive speed, backing up fire vehicles, parking and avoiding collisions. Officials estimate the new policy will cause an average response delay of less than a minute and the safer driving will more than make up for any delay.

"The important thing is that we get there," division chief of operations Mark Harshman said.

For the complete story read Tuesday's Casper Star-Tribune.