Automatic Fire Alarms

Automatic fire alarms (AFAs) are systems designed to detect and alert occupants to the presence of a fire without the need for manual activation and are connected to monitoring services that notify the fire service automatically.  

While the proposal is that we will no longer 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. 

The goal of this proposal is to improve response times for genuine emergencies, not to delay them. By reducing the number of unnecessary responses to false alarms during business hours, we free up resources and personnel to focus on real emergencies, ensuring that when lives or property are at risk, we can respond more quickly and effectively. 

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 will be able to appeal if they believe their premises should be treated differently under the new system. We encourage businesses to reach out and share their concerns through our consultation process.