Following confusion from some local residents, the Ely Fire Department has clarified the meaning of its emergency sirens.
The department uses two different sounds. One is a long, steady wail at a consistent pitch, which signifies severe weather and lasts for three minutes straight. This siren can often be heard on the first Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. when the fire department tests the alarm as prescribed by the National Weather Service.
“If towns choose to do it they don’t have to do it - it’s the first Wednesday of the month,” said Ely Fire Chief Dave Marshall.
He said they have not always kept the practice, but have been making an effort in recent months to test it more frequently after the city council asked for it.
The second siren rises and falls in pitch, and is used when a fire call occurs in town.
“This sends a message to people in town that there’s a fire call. There will be firefighters heading to the hall,” said Marshall, “Not everybody knows this, but if you see somebody driving with their flashers on, just pull over and let them pass. Firefighters are not supposed to speed to the hall.”
The first firefighter to arrive will hit the button to sound the alarm. Some department members who cannot carry a pager with them at all times will also rely on the alarm as an indicator there is a fire to respond to.
“We’re a little sensitive about this. If it’s two in the morning, we’re generally not going to set off this alarm,” said Marshall, “But that’s what it’s used for.”
