From 8 July 2024, we ran a six-month pilot changing the way we respond to Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs). The pilot outcomes have been ratified, and the changes have now been permanently implemented.
On this page, you will find information about the changes, their implications, and a reminder of the Responsible Person obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Visit Fire safety: guidance for those with legal duties – GOV.UK to explore a range of guides for comprehensive information on risk assessment and other crucial topics in line with current fire safety laws.
What is an Automatic Fire Alarm
Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs) alert to potential fires. However, many activations are false alarms, termed Unwanted Fire Signals (UwFS). These false alarms divert resources from genuine emergencies and pose risks to public safety.
From 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022, we responded to 2,961 false alarms, constituting 39.5% of all incidents—a figure consistent since 2016
What has changed and why
The goal of the pilot was to optimise resource allocation and enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness by reducing our attendance to UwFS. Frequent UwFS were disruptive, costly, and strained valuable resources.
Key changes now implemented:
BFRS no longer responds to fire calls generated by AFA systems in non-domestic, medium, and low-risk premises unless a fire is confirmed via a 999 call or there are visible signs of a fire at the location. This applies 24/7. Some exemptions apply.
Exemptions include premises:
- With sleeping risks (domestic, sheltered housing, hospitals, care homes).
- Known to us as being a high-risk site for something other than sleeping.
What this means for you:
For care settings with sleeping occupants (such as hospitals, hospices, care homes, and sheltered accommodation), BFRS will continue to respond promptly to AFAs.
We no longer attend premises for confirmed false alarms to ensure appliances remain available for other emergencies.
In non-domestic premises covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person, typically the employer, owner, or someone with control over the premises, must ensure the safety of occupants in the event of a fire. This includes defining actions to be taken if the AFA system activates.
Thames Valley Fire Control Service (TVFCS) now call-challenges all non-domestic premises AFA calls. If you call 999 about an AFA, be prepared to answer questions about sleeping risks and signs of fire. If an investigation has taken place and there is a fire or signs of fire (smoke, heat, smell, sound), clearly state to the call handler that this is a confirmed fire call and not just an AFA sounding.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please use our online contact form selecting AFA as the topic.
