Sirens are what you expect to come from a fire station, but not from Huntsville’s Fire Station 1, especially on Wednesday nights.
That's when passersby stop along Clinton Avenue to listen to the strains from bagpipes.
Bagpipes? Yes, several of them.
They are all part of a new clan in town: the Huntsville Fire and Rescue Pipe and Drum band. It’s only one in the state of Alabama.
Some of these firefighters drive the engines, others are hazmat specialists. All of them are on fire about this chance to play the bagpipes.
They owe their proficiency to pro-piper Roque Haines, who donates countless hours each week teaching these men and women all the basics. In nine months, he’s come pretty far, since emergencies like car accidents, drug overdoses and fires come up when duty calls.