Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) are changing how they respond to automatic fire alarms (AFA) in non-sleeping risk premises during the day.
From 1 April 2022, LFRS are changing the way they respond to calls from automatic systems and from persons who have not investigated the source of a sounding fire alarm in non-sleeping risk buildings, between the hours of 8 am and 7 pm, seven days a week.
Automatic fire alarms (AFAs)
Automatic fire alarms (AFAs) provide early warning in the event of a fire. However, where they send an automated signal to a monitoring center, or in the event of staff dialing 999 because an alarm is sounding without investigating the cause, they can also be the cause of false alarms and fire service call-outs known as unwanted fire signals (UWFS) that can be avoided.
LFRS is called out around 2,000 times every year by automated signals, or by staff dialing 999 reporting that an alarm is sounding, to non-sleeping risk premises. Over 99.5% of these calls are subsequently found to be false alarms when fire engines arrive. LFRS have said that they are going “to balance benefits against risk,” and that sending fire engines on an emergency call because an alarm is sounding (in a non-seeping risk building) is not sustainable.
Does this affect the building?
LFRS has stated that they will continue to respond to 999 calls from a person reporting a fire
LFRS are not changing the way they respond to automatic fire alarm systems after 7 pm for any building type, nor are they changing the way they respond to automatic fire alarm systems in higher-risk premises at any time of day or night.
LFRS has stated that they will continue to respond to 999 calls from a person reporting a fire, or sign of fire, in any type of premises at any time, and will always respond to automatic fire alarm calls 24 hours a day if:
- a backup call is received through 999 reporting a fire or signs of fire (such as a smell of burning).
- a successful application to LFRS for a fire alarm exemption has been made, and it has been granted.
accurate information
It is therefore vital that the alarm receiving center holds accurate information regarding building type/use and whether it contains sleeping accommodations.
LFRS will continue to respond to automatic fire alarm calls 24 hours a day if the premises is a:
- sleeping risk.
- single private domestic dwelling.
- sheltered accommodation.
- other residential premises such as a hostel, hotel, student accommodation, care/nursing home, etc.
- registered control of major accident hazards (COMAH) sites (nuclear sites are covered by the REPPIR legislation).
- high-rise.
- hospital.
- prison/young offenders institution.
- police station or military barracks.
- infant, primary, or secondary education premises.
- grade 1 or grade 2 heritage premises.
If the building has a monitored fire alarm system, a user should ensure the alarm receiving center holds accurate information regarding building type/use and whether it contains sleeping accommodations.