THE FIRE service is consulting on how it should respond to Automatic Fire Alarms.The Royal Berkshire Fire Authority is called out to an average of 2,200 Automatic Fire Alarms each year, but it said that 99% of these are false alarms.
The service is now asking residents how they should respond to these in lower risk, occupied buildings.
There will be no changes to higher risk buildings such as care homes, hotels, student accommodation and high-rise buildings, where firefighters will be sent immediately.
Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Cllr Colin Dudley, said: “We are asking you to consider the two options as part of this public consultation, one which reflects a change to our current policy to help reduce the burden of false alarms and one in which our current policy remains the same.
“No decisions have been made and your feedback will be vital for the decision-making process.”
Cllr Dexter Smith, community risk management plan lead, said said that changing the response could save up to 1,300 hours of firefighter time each year.
The consultation ends on Monday, March 28. The chosen option will be implemented in the summer.
To take part, visit: www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-service/managing-risk/consultation/current-consultations
