HiViz Lighting™ announced today the launch of the Whirl-E-Bird™, a modern refresh of the traditional spinning, traffic-clearing fire truck emergency warning light. The Whirl-E-Bird is designed as a direct bolt-on option for replacing the iconic spinning warning light first introduced in the 1930s by Buckeye Iron and Brass Works, giving departments a modern, U.S.-assembled replacement. Featuring two red lights, one white light, and a chrome finish, the first units began shipping in December 2025.
The Whirl-E-Bird combines legacy-inspired design with modern engineering, starting with a brushless DC servo motor designed specifically for this application. The motor uses a HiViz-designed controller with variable-speed, bidirectional control and soft-start circuitry to reduce startup torque and minimize electrical and mechanical stress. A modern slip-ring power transmission system and precision stainless-steel gears further improve durability and long-term reliability. The result is a professional-grade traffic clearing warning light built for the demands of fire service use.
Ease of installation was a core design priority. The Whirl-E-Bird mounts directly to existing bolt holes and uses the same wiring as legacy units, eliminating rework or modification. A sealed housing and external mounting flange allow installation without disassembly. Each unit ships standard with Red/Red/White LED modules, with additional color options available online. Models are offered in Chrome or Black, with face-mount and recessed versions available to support a wide range of fire truck and apparatus configurations.
Key Features of the Whirl-E-Bird
- Installation-first architecture: Factory-sealed housing with an external mounting flange allows installation without disassembly, reducing install time, minimizing errors, and improving long-term reliability.
- Purpose-built motor and control system: A brushless DC servo motor with an in-house designed controller provides soft-start operation, bidirectional rotation, and reduced electrical and mechanical stress.
- Independent motor and lighting circuits: Separate power paths for the motor and light heads allow flexible operation, including flashing while parked and proper white-light shutoff consistent with NFPA guidance.
- Configurable operation without multiple part numbers: Rotation speed and direction are user-selectable, eliminating multiple SKUs and simplifying inventory for apparatus manufacturers and dealers.
- Optics engineered for traffic-clearing performance: Rather than mechanically offsetting rotating components to widen the beam pattern, the Whirl-E-Bird uses specific optics to angle light output off-axis, delivering effective traffic-clearing performance while maintaining balance and durability.
- 3-Year Warranty: Each unit includes a 3-year warranty covering internal components, including the motor, power system, and gearing, along with a 3-year Advance Exchange Warranty for the light heads.
- Designed and Assembled in USA: Engineered and built in North Carolina by firefighters and industry professionals.
“The Whirl-E-Bird is more than a product- it’s a lifeline for OEMs and fire departments,” said Sam Massa, CEO at HiViz Lighting, Inc. “Right now, fire apparatus manufacturers are working at a breakneck pace to reduce lead times after a surge in demand related to purchasing spurred by federal COVID stimulus, and numerous supply chain disruptions. When down-stream component suppliers are unable to deliver critical components of custom built fire apparatus, it puts additional pressure on the system. We want to help. The Whirl-E-Bird gives them an alternative so they can keep emergency vehicles moving through production. Not only is it a piece of nostalgia, it’s a really cool way for HiViz to expand its operations with another product built right here in North Carolina.”
HiViz is moving quickly to deliver units for apparatus currently in the build process and in-service vehicles in need of a replacement.
Availability: The Whirl-E-Bird is in stock and ready to ship. Units can be purchased directly from HiViz Lighting or through authorized HiViz dealers and fire apparatus manufacturers that offer HiViz products. Many dealers provide installation and support services, and agencies are encouraged to work with a qualified dealer who can support their vehicle and operational needs.
Orders are open now at whirl-e-bird.com, or by contacting HiViz Lighting at 703-662-3458 or sales@hivizleds.com. Standard production lead time is four weeks.
High-resolution photos and product specifications are available at whirl-e-bird.com/pages/media.
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About HiViz Lighting
Founded by firefighters in 2011 and based in North Carolina, HiViz Lighting, Inc. designs and manufactures technology for fire trucks and emergency vehicles, including advanced lighting systems. The company focuses on modern embedded electronics and software-driven vehicle integration to improve safety, reliability, and performance. HiViz is best known for its FireTech® brand of fire apparatus lighting and, more recently, the Whirl-E-Bird™, a modern reimagining of the traditional spinning warning light.
