Fire & rescue services across the UK have implemented a new policy regarding response to automatic fire alarms in certain types of commercial premises.
The changes impact many businesses, says PIB Insurance Services. IN essence fire and rescue services won’t turn out to automatic fire alarm calls during the day unless someone calls and confirms that there actually is a fire.
UK fire and rescue services face significant operational strain due to the large number of automatic fire alarm calls. These calls often result in unnecessary deployments, impacting resource allocation and readiness for genuine emergencies.
Automatic Fire Alarms go off and alert the fire service, but this havens even when there is no visual sign of a fire. They can be triggered by things such as steam, dust or not being maintained properly. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue says it will no longer be responding automatically to AFA’s in non-sleeping risk premises. We will require visual confirmation of a fire before responding to alarms at these premises.
On average, over the last five years, these false alarms accounted for around a third of all West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue operations – more than 7,000 mobilisations a year where no fire was found. Fewer than 2% of these fire alarms result in a fire being found.
