Over 26,000 false alarms reported in Lancashire since 2019

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has responded to over 26,000 false fire alarms in the past five years, as reported by Personal Injury Claims UK.

The data, which covers the period from April 2019 to April 2024, reveals that the service attended 26,069 false alarms, equating to an average of 14 incidents per day.

The annual number of callouts varied between 5,000 and 6,000, with the lowest figure recorded in 2019/20 at 4,807.

Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, false fire alarm callouts reached 5,505 in 2022/23.

However, this figure saw a decline in the past year, with 4,943 incidents recorded in 2023/24.

Causes of false alarms identified

Several factors contribute to the high number of false alarms, including faulty equipment and poor user training.

Other common causes include fumes from cooking, steam from showers, dust from building work, and aerosols used near sensors.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service commented on the issue of false alarms, stating: “Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs) can provide early warning in the event of a fire, but they are also the cause of false alarms, known as Unwanted Fire Signals (UWFS).”

They added: “These unwanted fire signals can divert essential resources from genuine emergencies and drain public finances and resources.”

National impact of false fire alarms

Across the UK, false fire alarms represent a significant proportion of fire service callouts, accounting for 38% of all incidents attended.

According to a study by BRE Group, false alarms cost the UK approximately £1 billion annually.

The repeated nature of false alarms is not only disruptive but also affects the overall efficiency of emergency services, potentially impacting response times to genuine emergencies.

It has been noted that continual false alarms can lead to complacency among staff, reducing their willingness to take action when alarms are triggered.

Personal Injury Claims UK offers support

In addition to highlighting the financial and resource strain caused by false fire alarms, Personal Injury Claims UK offers support to those affected by fire-related injuries.

The organisation provides free advice and assistance to individuals who have suffered from incidents involving faulty appliances or products.

A 24-hour helpline and an online claims form are available on the organisation’s website for those seeking assistance.

Personal Injury Claims UK continues to raise awareness about fire safety and the risks associated with defective equipment.

Lancashire fire service addresses thousands of false alarms in five-year period: Summary

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service responded to over 26,000 false alarms between April 2019 and April 2024, as revealed by data obtained by Personal Injury Claims UK.

The annual number of callouts ranged from 5,000 to 6,000, with the lowest recorded figure of 4,807 in 2019/20.

False alarms stem from various causes, including faulty equipment and poorly trained users.

Nationally, false alarms account for 38% of fire service incidents, costing the UK £1 billion annually.

Personal Injury Claims UK provides support to those affected by fire-related injuries, offering a helpline and online claims service.