Responding to fire alarms:

Did you know that we responded to over 52,000 false alerts in 2023/24?

Automatic fire alarms explained

What is an automatic fire alarm?

Automatic fire detection and alarm systems alert when they think they detect potential fires, to provide early warnings for safe evacuation. For more details, visit the Fire alarms for property managers page.

Do we respond to every alarm?

We respond to every alarm in residential buildings, schools, and many other buildings.  

In some non-residential premises, you will need to call 999 yourself, between 7am - 8:30pm. 

This policy only applies to some buildings, so it's important you read our guidance on automatic fire alarms.

52,000 false alarms in 2023/24, that is 142 a day

We attended around 52,000 false alarms last year, which is problematic because:

  • it diverts resources: firefighters should be attending real emergencies and saving lives
  • false alarms are dangerous as people become complacent and do not react to the alarm when there's a real fire
  • people are put at unnecessary risk from avoidable blue light journeys as emergency vehicles travel at high speeds

Find our fire alarm maintenance tips here to reduce false alarms. 

A man in a hard hat checking an automatic fire alarm system.

Our policy for AFAs in commercial buildings is changing.

You need to check if you're affected and what you need to do.

AFA policy

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