UNDERWOOD — Skamania County Fire District 3 is announcing the renewed use of its station siren to signal fire response activation for volunteer firefighters. After many years of silence, the siren once again sounds as an audible alert, helping to improve response times and community awareness of local emergencies.
The reintroduction of the siren reflects the district’s commitment to public safety and operational efficiency, particularly in areas where modern notification methods may not reliably reach all volunteer personnel. The siren is located at Station 3-1 and will be used to alert firefighters to emergency calls.
“This siren is part of our fire district’s history and identity,” said Aaron Kreps, Fire Chief. “While we have many modern systems in place, the siren remains a dependable and effective way to reach our volunteers — especially in our rural area where more modern notification systems can be limited.”
A sound rooted in history
Station sirens have been a cornerstone of fire protection services since the early 1900s. Traditionally mounted on fire stations, water towers, or other central structures, these sirens were used to audibly notify volunteer firefighters of an emergency. Before the introduction of pagers and smartphones, the siren was the primary tool to gather responders quickly and effectively.
Over time, as technologies evolved, many fire districts—including Skamania County Fire District 3—phased out their use. However, with the return of the siren, the district is blending historic reliability with modern response needs.
What our community should know
Community members can expect to hear the siren during active emergency dispatches. It may sound briefly at any time of day or night, and while it is intended for firefighter notification, residents can take it as an alert that emergency services are in action nearby.“We ask for the public’s understanding and support as we reinstate this tool,” said Chief Kreps. “The sound of the siren means your local firefighters are on the move to help protect lives and property.”
Commented