The Fire Service are asking: Tell us how we should respond to automatic fire alarms

Devon & Somerset Fire Service has started a consultation process on changing their response to automatic fire alarms. 

Devon & Somerset Fire Service has started a consultation process on changing their response to automatic fire alarms. 

Their crews respond to an average of 16 false alarms every day due to automatic fire alarms, placing an unnecessary burden on the Service’s resources and their ability to be ready and available for genuine emergencies.   

In the last five years, they have been alerted to more than 55,000 automatic fire alarms, out of which just 42 needed the hose reel jet from one of their fire engines, which is less than 0.08%.   

They are looking to see how they can reduce the number of automatic fire alarms they attend to make their Service more efficient, and make sure their firefighters are able to respond to genuine emergencies.   

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.” 

More detailed information about the consultation, and a link to a public survey for feedback, is available on their website at https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/about-us/AFA-consultation. There will also be opportunities to join focus groups to discuss the options.  

The information on the website sets out the reasons why they feel further change is needed and the options they are proposing to tackle the problem. 

For further information, email rightresponse@dsfire.gov.uk or call 01392 261287.  

You can view and download a copy of the full consultation document from our website