The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service are running a consultation process to see how they can reduce the number of automatic fire alarms that are attended, with a view to making the Service more efficient, and to ensure that firefighters are able to respond to genuine emergencies. Crews respond to an average of 16 false alarms every day due to automatic fire alarms.
An automatic fire alarm (AFA) automatically alerts people that smoke or fire is present in a building. Some alarms, commonly in domestic properties, sound to alert people in the vicinity, while others – more likely properties managed by businesses or occupied by people who are vulnerable – trigger a response from the fire service.
How should the Fire and Rescue Service respond to automatic fire alarms?
Similar to smoke alarms in homes, AFAs in businesses can raise an alarm when there isn’t an emergency, equivalent to when we burn the toast or when dust sets off the alarm.
Chief Fire Officer Gavin Ellis said: “We will always attend if someone has reported a sign of fire. We will also always attend domestic properties, such as houses, or where there is a known night-time sleeping risk.
“I’m aware that any change to fire response can make people feel unsettled. Any change is only to what we will do in response to an automatic alert, not a report of a fire.”
As part of this consultation, the Fire service are hosting online question and answer sessions, to answer any questions that people might have about the proposals and listen to their views. At each session, people from across Devon and Somerset will hear from senior leaders in the fire service about the proposed changes and the impact that responding to automatic fire alarms has on the Service, as well as having time to ask any questions.
The dates are:
- Tuesday 25 February, 2-3pm
- Wednesday 12 March, 12-1pm
- Thursday 20 March, 6-7pm
Information about how to join these events is available on the Fire and Rescue Service website. The information on the website sets out the reasons why the Service feel that further change is needed and the options that are being proposed to tackle the problem.
You can tell the Fire Service what you think about the options using their online survey, or you can send a letter to a letter to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, The Knowle, Clyst St George, Exeter EX3 0NW.
For further information, email rightresponse@dsfire.gov.uk, visit the Fire and Rescue Service website or call 01392 261287.
