DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is asking the public to share their views on how the service should respond to automatic fire alarms.
This comes as the fire service says it responds to an average of 16 false alarms every day due to automatic fire alarms.
This places an ‘unnecessary burden’ on the service’s resources and its ability to be ready and available for genuine emergencies, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says.
For example, in the last five years, the service have been alerted to more than 55,000 automatic fire alarms, out of which just 42 needed the hose reel jet from a fire engine, which is less than 0.08 percent.
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The service looking to see how we can reduce the number of automatic fire alarms they attend to make its service more efficient, and make sure its firefighters are able to respond to genuine emergencies.
Chief Fire Officer Gavin Ellis said: ‘We will always attend if someone has reported a sign of fire. We will also always attend domestic properties, such as houses, or where there is a known night-time sleeping risk.
‘I’m aware that any change to fire response can make people feel unsettled.
‘Any change is only to what we will do in response to an automatic alert, not a report of a fire.’
More detailed information about the consultation, and a link to a public survey for feedback, is available on the service’s website.
There will also be opportunities to join focus groups to discuss the options.
The information on the website sets out the reasons why the service feel further change is needed and the options it is proposing to tackle the problem.
For further information, email [email protected] or call 01392 261287.