The Impact of Changes to Automatic Fire Alarm Response in Commercial Buildings

Aligned with National Fire Chiefs Council recommendations, individual fire & rescue services across the UK have implemented a new policy regarding response to automatic fire alarms in certain types of commercial premises.

The changes impact many businesses, to help you navigate this shift, we’ve prepared a detailed bulletin outlining the nature of the changes and the necessary actions for business and property owners.

So, why are changes needed?

UK fire and rescue services (FRS) face significant operational strain due to the high volume of automatic fire alarm calls. These calls often result in unnecessary deployments, impacting resource allocation and readiness for genuine emergencies.

The number of FRSs with policies targeting fire false alarms has been increasing since the year ending March 2000 which has resulted in a reduction in the false alarm callouts attended.

Our helpful bulletin provides insights into the policy changes, their implications, and practical guidance for compliance.