Spring Lake Fire Siren Silenced Due to Osprey Nest

Call the fire department -- quietly.

That's because a pair of ospreys has built a nest inside the fire siren at Spring Lake, and by law can't be disturbed.

So the siren has been turned off for the spring and summer, while firefighters and first aid members rely on pagers and cell phones to alert them of emergencies.

First responders in this Jersey Shore resort about 60 miles north of Atlantic City say so far things have been working smoothly.

Spring Lake officials say they may need to create an alternate place nearby for the birds to nest next year, as they tend to return to the same spot.

Officials say they believe several chicks have hatched, but none were visible from the ground on Tuesday.

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