London fire brigade to reduce automatic alarm responses

London fire brigade to reduce automatic alarm responses
Credit: barnetpost

London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – London Fire Brigade to stop most automatic alarm callouts to save them valuable time, as the bulk of automatic alarms are not actual warnings.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has announced that from 29 Oct 2024, firefighters will no longer observe automatic alarms in most non-residential buildings – unless they are pointed a fire is occurring. The change – which will impact properties like office blocks and industrial estates – is being brought in to save the fire service useful time, as the LFB states that less than one per cent of automatic alarms are activated by genuine fires.

How will this change affect response times in London?

Craig Carter, the LFB’s assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, stated: “Following a period of comprehensive arrangement with our communities and stakeholders, we are now prepared to roll out this new approach. We are here to keep London’s residents safe, and we want to do this as effectively as feasible. We will always attend to an emergency and will persist to an alarm at any premises where people sleep – such as houses, hotels and penitentiaries.

“As summarised in our Community Risk Management Plan, facilitating our attendance at false alarms will give firefighters more time to concentrate on protection and prevention activity, such as visiting our most vulnerable citizens and communities, fire safety checks, as well as functional training.”

What buildings are exempt from the new policy?

The affected automated systems are those where the LFB is warned of a potential fire without anyone having called them. The new approach will only apply between 7 am and 8.30 pm. During those hours, the Brigade will only minister to the affected buildings if a call is also received from an individual notifying a fire. Beyond those hours, the LFB will still minister to all alarms in any installation. Other premises excused from the new policy include hospitals, schools and listed heritage places. The Brigade has stated that the change will bring the LFB into line with nearly every other UK fire service.

Massimiliano  Verde

Massimiliano Verde is a journalist at Parliament News, He is covering Society and Culture News. Boasting a Master's Degree in Political Science, stands as a prominent figure in the Italian cultural landscape. His presidency of the Neapolitan Academy, a scientifically and sociolinguistically renowned group, attests to his relentless dedication to safeguarding and promoting Neapolitan language and culture. His activism and profound expertise have propelled him into the role of interlocutor for UNESCO as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a prestigious acknowledgment highlighting the significance of his efforts in preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of our planet.

Verde's fervent passion for the history and culture of Southern Italy has driven him to immerse himself in research, resulting in numerous essays and articles that delve into the peculiarities and beauties of the region. His commitment extends beyond academia, manifesting in ongoing dissemination activities aimed at acquainting the general public with the rich cultural heritage of the South. His endeavors transcend national boundaries, as evidenced by his participation in international conferences and collaboration with various foreign institutions, rendering him an ambassador of Southern culture on the global stage and fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.