Regional Scottish fire service called out to 447 false alarms last year

Regional Scottish fire service called out to 447 false alarms last year

70% of calls were unwanted fire alarm signals

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews in Clackmannanshire attended nearly 500 unwanted fire alarm signals (UFAS) in 2014/15, representing 70% of callouts.

Of the 447 calls, 339 were false fire alarms, started by apparatus or equipment, including accidental initiation by persons.

Local station manager for prevention and protection Alex Hume explained to The Alloa Advertiser: “UFAS incidents on average cost UK businesses £848 in lost revenue and production, resulting in continual disruptions.

“These type of incidents also have an obvious impact upon the responding fire crews as the appliances are not available for other genuine emergency responses.

“These incidents additionally detract crews from delivering vital community safety programmes and training. Within the Clackmannanshire area, UFAS incidents accounted for approximately 60 per cent of all emergency responses.

“The SFRS continues to engage with duty holders of businesses and other organisations to challenge all fire alarm activations; check records, investigate and record all incidents.”

False alarm calls have been an ongoing problem for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The rate of false alarm calls across the country is around 66%.

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