Story originally published by NBC 15

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — Mobile Fire-Rescue now has a new tool to help them get to fires and other emergencies quicker.

New technology inside fire trucks will send out a signal alerting drivers when a fire emergency is close.

Three Mobile-Fire rescue trucks now equipped with HAAS alert systems. The newest one arrived this week with a brand new fire truck.

It is housed at fire station 7 in Tillman’s Corner.

“One of the highlights of the new ladder truck is the Haas Alert system. Right now we are the only fire department on the Gulf Coast that is testing it,” says Mobile-Fire Rescue PIO Steven Millhouse.

The HAAS alert system is a warning system to other drivers that is activated by the firetruck’s lights.

“So as soon as we turn on the lights, if you’re using the WAZE app, Apple maps or driving a Jeep, Dodge or Chrysler new model, it will simply pop up and alert you that an emergency vehicle is within a 2 mile radius and if that emergency vehicle is at a scene for more than 2 minutes or more, you’ll get a notification or an alert that there is an emergency scene probably 30 seconds ahead of you,” says Millhouse.

This will give nearby drivers more time to slow down and move over before they encounter the fire truck on the road.

“What we’ve seen around the nation is damage to emergency vehicles, first responders injured or killed because of distracted driving. People will simply run right into the truck or run right into the scene,” says Millhouse.

Fire officials believe this new tech will also help firefighters get to the scene of an emergency much faster. By the way, these trucks, fully equipped, cost $1.1 million.