Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has changed the way it responds to automatic fire alarm call outs at domestic and residential properties, by only attending if there’s been a 999 call to confirm there is a fire or signs of fire.
This change, introduced last month, covers automatic fire alarms (AFAs) at properties including hotels, boarding schools, care homes and any other residential types, including those that contain single private dwellings. An AFA is an automatic fire alarm activation, warning people of a possible fire by a sounder or speech. Most properties should have them properly fitted, tested and serviced. Some of them may be monitored by an external company.
Of the AFA call outs attended by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) from October 2022 to March 2023 at residential and domestic properties, 98% were false alarms. This accounted for 976 mobilisations, which is the equivalent of more than five fire appliances being sent out a day to false alarms where there isn't a fire.
This change is the second phase of work for SFRS, after making the switch in 2022 and only attending non-sleeping business calls when a fire is confirmed. Since then, false alarm visits have decreased by over 95%.
This allows for resources to better managed and for crews to attend incidents where they are actually needed, helping to keep Surrey safer.
SFRS, part of Surrey County Council, have reassured residents that nothing is changing in their response to a real fire, only now the call handlers will ask a series of questions designed to determine the nature of the call and whether there is a fire, or signs of fire, and depending on the response received, crews may still attend to investigate the reason for the AFA.
Commenting, Group Commander Rob Jenks, project lead for the change, said:
“We’re committed to keeping our communities safe, and if there’s a fire, or signs of a fire, we will always respond immediately.
“After successfully making the switch for business AFA call outs in 2022, this new change is another positive step for our communities. We spend many hours and resources on responding to false alarms, and now, our crews and pumps will be more readily available when there’s a confirmed emergency.”
If at any time you discover signs of fire, raise the alarm, get out using the nearest fire exit and call 999.
For residents responsible for these types of premises, the service is urging you to visit their dedicated webpage for more information and advice on how to investigate an automatic fire alarm activation, and steps you can take to make your property as safe as possible.
To find out more about how this change may affect you or your property, please visit here.
