From 1 April, alarms sounding at low-risk commercial premises will only receive an emergency response if there is a 999 call or other confirmation that a fire is suspected.
The change is being introduced to reduce the number of false alarms attended by fire crews. Firefighters say such mobilisations can cause unnecessary risks to the public and responding crews, cause disruption to business and may delay a response to a genuine emergency.
Automatic fire alarm activations at domestic and residential buildings, at any premises where people sleep and at identified higher-risk properties will still be attended by a fire crew.
Emma Turner, Manager of Protection (Improvement), stated: “In 2022–2023, the Service responded to 1,946 automatic fire alarms in commercial buildings that did not require an emergency response.
“Regardless of whether there is a fire or not, the premises are required by fire safety regulations to look into the reason of these alarms. Additionally, it is your duty to guarantee alarm system maintenance.
“We need managers and owners of businesses to understand how important it is to maintain the proper procedures in place and keep their employees and property safe, including keeping their alarm systems in good working order.”
Visit www.dwfire.org.uk/automatic-fire-alarms for further details on the modifications, which also include a pamphlet that can be downloaded and an explanation video.
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