Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has started a consultation with options to change how we respond to automatic fire alarms.

The following message from Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Ellis, provides the context as to why we are considering changes:

“Last year, our crews responded to an average of 16 false alarms every day due to automatic fire alarms, placing an unnecessary burden on the Service’s resources and our ability to be ready and available for genuine emergencies.

“In the last five years, we have been alerted to more than 55,000 automatic fire alarms, out of which just 42 needed the hose reel jet from one of our fire engines, which is less than 0.08%.

“We’re looking at how we can reduce the number of automatic fire alarms we attend to make our Service more efficient, and make sure our firefighters are able to respond to genuine emergencies.”

More detailed information about the consultation, and a link to a public survey for feedback, is available on our website www.dsfire.gov.uk/about-us/AFA-consultation. There will also be opportunities to question and answer events.

We want to make absolutely clear to our communities that any change is only in our response to an automatic alert and we will always attend if someone has reported a sign of fire.

We will also always attend single domestic properties, such as houses, or where there is a known night-time sleeping risk.

We also have a number of high-risk buildings where we will maintain a response. Details of these can be found in our consultation document.

For further information, visit www.dsfire.gov.uk, emailrightresponse@dsfire.gov.uk or call 01392 261287.