Automatic Fire Alarms

Any Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) that we attend that is not actually a fire is considered to be a false alarm. 

Here are the more common causes of false fire alarms:   

• Lack of effective management – in taking responsibility for the fire alarm system, being proactive and reactive to causes of false alarms and managing an initial investigation into the cause of an alarm before the fire and rescue service are called is essential. Ineffective management is a key cause of a fire engine responding to automatic fire alarm calls that are false alarms.   

• Cooking fumes – being recognised by a detector in a nearby area, e.g. a smoke detector located in a corridor outside a kitchen.   

• Steam and aerosol sprays – activating smoke detectors.   

• Incorrect type of detector – a typical example is where a room that is protected with a smoke detector has its use changed and a toaster or kettle is introduced.   

• Work completed onsite – causing dust or electrical disturbances.   

• Failure to notify the alarm receiving centre – when the system is being tested.   

• Unsatisfactory maintenance – where detectors are rarely cleaned and serviced.   

• Incorrect placement of a detector – in an area where there is excessive air movement due to mechanical heating, ventilation or open windows. 

Access more advice on how you can prevent AFAs.

This policy only applies to commercial, non-residential buildings. We will continue to attend automatic fire alarm notifications at buildings where there is a sleeping risk, such as hotels, hospitals, care homes, houses, and flats.  There are also exceptions for heritage buildings, educational institutions during holidays. 

The policy does apply to schools during term time, however there is an exemption for educational institutions during holidays.

While we will no longer automatically attend AFAs at commercial premises without sleeping risks between 08:00 and 18:00, we will still attend if specific circumstances indicate an actual emergency. Our Fire Control team will assess whether a situation requires immediate attention based on the information available at the time.  

We will always respond to 999 calls from a person reporting a fire, or signs of fire, in any type of premises at any time.   

Nobody should put themselves at risk to check if there is a fire. A building’s risk assessments and emergency plans should ensure that is the case.   

If a caller has good reason to believe that an AFA is sounding because there is an actual fire, then we will send a response. Examples include seeing fire, smoke or smelling burning. 

We strongly encourage businesses to regularly maintain and test their fire alarm systems to prevent false alarms. Proper maintenance, such as cleaning sensors, checking wiring, and ensuring all components are functioning properly, can significantly reduce the risk of unnecessary alarms.   

It’s also important to train staff to understand what might trigger a false alarm and take steps to prevent it. 

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Buildings where occupants are awake, familiar with the premises, and can escape quickly in the event of a fire would generally be considered as lower risk.   

Buildings where people sleep or are receiving care are considered higher risk such as those below:    

1. Hotels and motels – overnight guest accommodations.  
2. Hostels and bed & breakfasts – shared or private sleeping spaces.  
3. Care homes and nursing homes – facilities for elderly or vulnerable residents.  
4. Hospitals and medical facilities – inpatient care with overnight stays.  
5. Dormitories – student housing with overnight accommodations.  
6. Residential accommodation – apartments, for example.  
7. Temporary or homeless shelters – places providing overnight housing.  

Any residential accommodation should have suitable fire separation from any commercial elements of the building.   

If a shop’s AFA is activated with no sign of fire, then this would not attract a response between 08:00 and 18:00 hours.    

However, if there is any indication that sleeping accommodation or private dwellings are affected, then a response will be sent.   

If there are signs of fire in the shop, then a response will be sent.   

The proposed change focuses on commercial premises without sleeping risks between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00, seven days a week. This is when it is more likely there are people around to spot any signs of fire and call 999 if an alarm sounds.  

Outside of these hours or where properties involve sleeping risks, we will continue responding as usual.   

Small businesses are encouraged to maintain their fire alarm systems properly, as the reduction in fire alarm responses is specifically aimed at reducing false alarms, not emergencies. If a business has concerns about the effectiveness of its fire alarm system or resources for maintenance, we recommend they seek guidance from fire safety experts. 

Yes, businesses can appeal if they believe their premises should be treated differently under the new system. You can do this by contacting us here.