Yeah, it's definitely really loud, especially when it's 4am, no one's on the street, and it blares out of nowhere. We got woken up by that quite a few times. I understand the need for it, but do they have to do it when the streets are empty?

Yes, it is part of their standard operational procedure and required by the PA Motor Vehicle Code for emergency vehicles responding to an alarm or incident.

And finally, the big "L"- Liability.

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"Simply put it is possibe to have convenience if you want to tolerate insecurity, but if you want security, you must be prepared for inconvenience"
General Benjamin W. Chidlaw December 12, 1954

is it something newer? I've NEVER heard that from a fire truck before... maybe I'm just never next to one when they turn...