Fire and Emergency considering fines and new response model in light of repeat false alarms

Fire and Emergency NZ is considering whether fines should be imposed for repeated false alarms and is assessing more selective overseas response models to avoid attending callouts when firefighters aren’t needed. Fenz officials told MPs on Parliament’s Governance and Administration select committee about a third of all calls received turned out to be false alarms and that sanctions - fines - could be one method to decrease their frequency. Fines of up to $1000 for repeated false alarms that led to unnecessary fire service responses were available under legislation prior to 2017 before it was changed.

Fenz national commander Russell Wood, referencing the preference of staff not to waste time on false alarms, mentioned the historical sanction regime today and said it was an option Fenz could look at. Wood later told the Herald all potential levers - whether they were “carrot” or “stick” - would be assessed, but it would ultimately be the Government’s decision to change current legislation to allow fines..