The elapsed time in Ezekiel 1:1

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In the first verse of the book of Ezekiel, it reads:

Now in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth of the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
(Ezekiel 1:1, WEB)

In some translations, the elapsed time mentioned in this verse is interpreted as the age of Ezekiel the priest:

In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
(Ezekiel 1:1, NIV)

The elapsed time, does it refer to the age of Ezekiel the priest, or does it refer to another event?