Montoursville’s fire alarm system will change at midnight tonight and the permanent telephone number to report fire or tragedy in the future will be “”8385.” 

Through arrangements made with Capt. Norman Annich by borough officials, the fire alarm for the community will be handled at the Pennsylvania State Police barracks. 

A private telephone line has been installed to handle only Montour fire calls. State police on duty at the barracks will receive any alarms over this line and will then pull a button which automatically sounds the fire alarm siren. 

This will probably increase efficiency, it is pointed out, as all catastrophes including plane crashes, floods and drowning in the area, “come in” over the fire alarm system, thus the State Police will get first reports. 

Councilmen Thomas R. Sunday and Walter R. Heim and Fire Chief William Messner conferred with Capt. Annich Friday and discussed details of the new system. 

The firemen will be greatly aided in their work by this new plan as announcement has been made that the practice of curiosity seekers calling to find fir locations and then going to the scene will absolutely not be tolerated. 

It is stressed that 8385 is exclusive to report a fire or a tragedy and no other calls whatever may be placed over this phone.