The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has warned that if the Fire and Rescue Services charge to attend false alarms, as proposed in the new Localism Bill, it could have a serious impact on fire safety in England and Wales.

FIA CEO, Graham Ellicott, comments: “If Fire and Rescue Services charge for false alarm attendance they run the risk that companies will switch off their fire alarm systems to avoid being fined”, which could have serious, potentially life-threatening implications.

The Localism Bill, which is now before the Parliamentary Bill Committee, is part of the Government’s much publicised devolvement of powers to councils and neighbourhoods, and it includes the proposal that Fire and Rescue Services are to be given the power to charge for attending false alarms.

With recent fire cutbacks, of course, the Fire and Rescue Services want to minimise time wasting due to recurring false alarms but the increased fire risk to buildings and the financial and environmental consequences must be considered. If people decide to turn fire detection and alarms off because the alternative is a fine, this is a very dangerous route to take.

Graham Ellicott adds: “If the day comes when charging is levied for false alarm attendance who will the bill be sent to? This is not a clear cut issue as many have assumed that it would be the owner of the building, which in itself could lead to the serious consequences I have already alluded to. However, in the past, bills were sent to the transmitter of the alarm signal – that is the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). If that is to be the case again, then given the ARCs current view of the ever changing way that the brigades are treating false alarms, they have to strongly consider whether they want to be involved with the fire sector, especially as the security sector is larger and better regulated!”

Fire Alarm Installations are one of those items that tend to be forgotten about until a crisis strikes. All buildings whether publicly or privately owned have a legal requirement for a minimum level of protection.

Business owners need to follow the outcome of the Localism Bill very carefully to understand any potential liability resulting from false alarms at their premises.  If a company has a history of false alarms, now is the time to get professional review the existing system.  Contact a professional installer who will be happy to review an existing alarm system.