Fire service false alarms drop to record low

Firefighters in West Sussex have fielded the lowest number of unwanted fire signals since records began, after implementing recommendations following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

An unwanted fire signal is when an automatic fire alarm is activated and a fire and rescue service resource is mobilised to the scene, but there is no fire.

Duncan Crow, West Sussex cabinet member for community support, fire and rescue, said he was "delighted" the number of false alarms had significantly decreased adding it allows crews to "use their time more efficiently".

He said: "As a result, the service is regularly meeting its prevention and protection targets, particularly around safe and well visits."

Between 1 October 2024 and 31 December 2024, firefighters attended 92 unwanted fire signals, which is less than one unwanted fire signal per day.

In comparison, the service responded to 436 unwanted fire signals for the same quarter in 2021 – before the recommendations were applied.

More than two years ago the service implemented a call challenge policy recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which has resulted in the huge reduction of unwanted fire signals.

A performance report also showed improvements around fire engine response times; first and second appliance times had improved from the previous quarter, with second appliances having the strongest response times to date.

Dave Bray, area manager for protection, said they take the recommendations "very seriously".

He said: "Our teams are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that each recommendation is implemented in a robust and timely manner.

"It is imperative that we learn from the tragic events of 14 June 2017, and implementing these recommendations is a key priority for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service."

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