Scottish Fire And Rescue Service Update Response To Automatic Fire Alarm Activations During Coronavirus Pandemic

As of 6th May, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is changing its response to automatic fire alarm activations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Full statement from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: Pre-determined attendance at automatic fire alarm actuations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is taking all necessary measures to minimize disruption to the emergency response during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Demand on front-line resources

Robust contingency plans in place should encounter a high number of absences among firefighters and staff to ensure continue to respond to every emergency to protect Scotland's communities. These contingency plans are constantly monitored and reviewed, so are able to adapt and provide a flexible and prompt response to any challenges COVID-19 presents.

Robust contingency plans in place should encounter a high number of absences among firefighters

As the situation has been developing, reviewing the operational response models, including options for responding to automatic fire alarm (AFA) actuation at non-domestic premises. Aware a high proportion of these actuations (97%) end up as unwanted fire alarm fire signals (UFAS) and with an average of 28000 of these unnecessary call-outs attended by operational crews every year, this demand on front-line resources and impact on the community is significant.

AFA actuations

As a public service, must do all can to stop the spread of COVID-19. Reducing attendance at AFA actuations in a planned and safe manner can help protect the public, and operational crews and ensure stay resilient in responding to emergencies and other critical incident types operational crews may be required to attend during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of 06 May 2020, therefore changing the response at AFA actuations to a single pumping appliance, with the exception of sleeping accommodation and other specific high-risk premises, which will continue to receive either a full or appropriately modified pre-determined attendance (PDA). This change will be under constant review, so can react promptly to any emerging challenges and issues.

Responsibility for fire safety management

Ensure this change is shared effectively and the right messaging is targeted toward duty-holders

Aware that this change will lead to a reduced initial response to AFA actuations at certain non-domestic premises across Scotland (e.g., offices, shops, etc.). Some premises will not see any change at all, because they are exempt (e.g., hospitals, care homes, etc.), or a single pump strategy already applies to them under current policies. 

To ensure this change is communicated effectively and the right messaging is targeted toward duty holders and those with responsibility for fire safety management, have devised a communications strategy that will be deployed over the coming days.

Basis of the strategy

The basis of the strategy is to reinforce the following key points:

• SFRS will always mobilize an increased attendance to AFA actuations, if it’s backed up by a 999-call confirming a fire.
• Reminding duty holders of their responsibilities for reducing false alarms and resultant UFAS call-outs, including arrangements for investigating AFA actuations, and immediately reporting confirmed fires via a 999 back-up call.

Partnership working is key to delivering this communications strategy. As a key strategic partner, value the support with communicating this change, and acting as a conduit for sharing any associated advice and information with duty holders. Therefore invite to share this information across the networks, so the most relevant stakeholders are informed of the changes made to the response at AFA actuations.