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19
Jun
Firefighters to stop responding to all commercial fire alarms
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will no longer respond to any automatic fire alarms that go off at commercial properties from next month.
Since 2023, firefighters have not responded to alarms in commercial premises and other buildings where people do not sleep between 7am and 7pm, unless a fire is confirmed.
This will be extended to a 24 hour policy from July 1
The fire service says the move will enable it to "prioritise resources where they are needed most" and it "brings us in line with other fire and rescue services regionally and nationally".
It forms part of the fire service's switch to placing greater emphasis on prevention, protection and emergency response.
According to the fire service, since the initial changes to its Automatic Fire Alarm attendance were introduced in 2023, it has spent 8% less time responding to automatic fire alarms, allowing it to focus more time on preventative fire safety visits.
Under the revised approach the service will continue to attend all confirmed fires, as well as all automatic fire alarms in homes, premises where people sleep (e.g. hotels) and other premises identified as high-risk.
Jon Darnton, head of protection and risk, said:
This approach will ensure crews are available to respond to emergencies while continuing to deliver vital prevention and protection work across North Yorkshire.
We want to reassure the public we will continue to attend all incidents where people sleep or where there is a confirmed fire.
Businesses play an important role in this... they are responsible for maintaining effective fire safety measures, including fire alarm systems. Poor maintenance remains a key cause of false alarms and we will continue to work with businesses to provide advice and support to help reduce this risk from fire.
Businesses can get guidance on reducing false alarms on the service’s website or by contacting the business fire safety team at Capabilities@northyorksfire.gov.uk or 01609 780150
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