Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Policy

On the 4^thApril 2011 Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) introduced a new policy for dealing with the problems created by UwFS. Our objectives are to reduce risk to the community and deliver affordable and value for money services. As a consequence we are committed to reducing the number of UwFS attendances.

Reasons for the change in policy

UwFS usually arise as a result of faulty or incorrectly maintained automatic detection system and occur mainly in commercial premises. By identifying problem premises and working with commerce we are reducing the number of UwFS, but they continue to be a major problem. In 2009/10, we attended 20,367 emergency incidents of which almost one-third were UwFS. This obviously has a significant impact as they:

• Divert essential emergency resources increasing the possibility of delayed attendance to genuine calls where life is endangered

Lead to complacency regarding how building occupiers react when fire alarms sound

Create unnecessary risk to fire crews and members of the public when fire engines are responding under blue light emergency conditions.

Disrupt business, hospitals, schools etc. 

Disrupt our essential work routines, particularly community fire safety activities and training. 

Impose an avoidable financial burden particularly in respect of vehicle fleet costs. 

Impact upon employers who release retained staff. (Fire fighters who respond from their primary workplace when their alerter activates) 

Advancements in technology have made fire alarm systems significantly more affordable and this, together with the impact of new building and fire safety legislation, has caused the number and complexity of monitored fire alarm installations to increase. Alongside this growth there has been corresponding increase in the number of UwFS.

LFRS receives fire alarm calls via two main sources:

 Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC’s) – Monitored Premises

The 999 system – Calls made manually direct from the premises

Existing Policy – Fire alarm calls received via Alarm Receiving Centres

A significant number of fire alarm calls received by LFRS are via Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs). ARCs are commercial call handling centres that receive automated signals from monitored fire alarm systems and then pass the call details to the appropriate Fire and Rescue Service Control.

There is no specific requirement from LFRS for any fire alarm system to be connected to an ARC. The primary function of a fire alarm is to warn anybody who is in the premises that a fire has occurred. The need to connect to an ARC is usually derived from an insurance or specific business need to ensure any fire that occurs when a premises is not staffed is reported promptly.

How do ARCs already try to reduce UwFS?

Some ARCs already utilise a ‘call back’ process whereby on receipt of signal from a monitored premises they will call the premises back using a pre-arranged contact number. If contact is made with the premises, the person contacted will be asked if there is a fire or signs of fire. If there is no obvious fire or signs of fire the person is asked to instigate site investigation procedures and instructed to ring 999 if they subsequently discover signs of fire. Therefore, when premises are staffed, generally the ARC does not pass the call through to LFRS Control until a fire or signs of fire have been confirmed by staff at the premises. In these circumstances it is important that premises managers ensure that the person designated as the contact point is a person who is able to check or confirm whether or not there are signs of fire – and manage the fire alarm system subsequently.

Note 1: The above process is separate to the evacuation. If a fire alarm actuates then the premises evacuation plan should always be instigated immediately. There are different types of evacuation plan dependant on the type of premises (these are detailed in the appropriate fire safety guides).

Note 2: If a call back is not answered after a prescribed period the ARC will pass the call to LFRS Control who will mobilise in most circumstances, one fire engine under blue lights.

Note 3: Some ARCs operate an ‘exemption’ system whereby if certain conditions are met (e.g. a high level of system reliability) they will not use the ‘Call Back’ feature and will immediately pass the fire call to LFRS Control who will mobilise in most circumstances, one fire engine under blue lights

In both of the above circumstances LFRS will only send one fire engine as at that time we will have had no confirmation that the call is anything other than just an alarm sounding. Consequently it remains good practice to ensure that a back-up 999 call is made direct to LFRS Control. The back-up call will:

Ensure the fire call is passed to LFRS control in the event the autodial to the ARC has faile

Enable your staff to confirm if there is a fire and whether anybody is trapped.

Allow LFRS Control to immediately send the full fire engine attendance 

Even if your premises are equipped with an autodial to an ARC your premises emergency plan should include a specific arrangements for making a 999 back-up when the site is staffed.

New Policy – Fire alarm calls received via 999

Some premises do not have their fire alarm connected to an ARC and simply phone 999 as soon as the fire alarm activates.

How has LFRS changed its procedures and how can you help?

When LFRS Control receive a call to a commercial premises via the 999 system stating that a fire alarm is sounding we will now adopt a ‘Call Challenge’ approach very similar to the system operated by the ARCs. The caller will now be asked whether or not they actually have a fire or signs of fire. If signs of fire are apparent then the full attendance will be sent immediately. If not, the caller will now be asked to investigate the cause of the alarm and call back using 999 if there are any signs of fire whereupon the full attendance will be sent. If no further call is received then no attendance will be sent.

If the caller states that they are unable to investigate due to their location being remote from the building where the alarm is sounding or some other reasonable explanation, then Control will mobilise in most circumstances, one fire engine under blue lights. If at any stage the presence of fire is confirmed then the incident will immediately be upgraded to the full attendance.

The key element to our new policy is that we want to quickly attend genuine fires with the appropriate number and type of fire engines, not simply attend premises just because an alarm has sounded. Hopefully you will appreciate that we can only do this if we receive the correct information. As a consequence we are now advising that your premises emergency plan should include guidance on when to make a 999 call and the type of information to include. Please bear in mind we will now only send one fire engine if a fire is not confirmed. However we will not call challenge anyone who clearly states they have already investigated and/or are immediately able to confirm there is a fire or signs of fire.

For more information, please read the Frequently asked questions – UwFS - or contact your local fire station.