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Greater Manchester fire and rescue services attended the highest number of fire-related false alarms for more than a decade in 2023-24, new figures show. It comes as false fire alarms also hit a 13-year high across England. The Fire Brigades Union stressed it is "vital" to attend and investigate all fire alarms, even false, to protect people and properties, and said they must not be used to cut fire service funding.
Home Office figures show the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended 14,052 fire-related false alarms in 2023-24 – up from 13,073 the year before, and the highest figure in 13 years. Nationally, fire services attended a record high 254,000 false fire alarms last year, a four per cent rise on 2022-23, and the highest figure since 2011-12. False fire alarms are when fire and rescue services attend a location believing there is a fire incident when there is not.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Firefighters don’t go to false alarms, they only come back from them. Automatic alarms are fitted in commercial premises so that firefighters can respond quickly and prevent fires from spreading while buildings are unoccupied. “ Fires are not always obvious, and fire crews are trained and equipped to detect and tackle them early.
Businesses must ensure that alarms are maintained and functioning to avoid accidental call outs. “False alarms must not be used to justify dangerous cuts to the fire service. Responding to and investigating alarms is vital for protecting livelihoods, properties and lives.
” In Greater Manchester last year, 76 per cent of fire-related false alarms were due to fire alarm or fire-fighting equipment errors, 20% were made in good faith, and 4% were maliciously activated. In total, they accounted for 44 per cent of all 31,920 incidents attended, including non-fire related incidents and non-fire false alarms. Meanwhile, fire crews across England attended 182,000 false alarms due to faulty equipment, an 8% rise on the previous year and the highest figure in 13 years.
In all, they attended 600,000 incidents, of which 42 per cent were false alarms. A Home Office spokesperson said: “Public safety is the highest priority for our dedicated firefighters. “It is essential people regularly check fire alarms and have procedures in place to ensure they are maintained in an efficient state, working order and in good repair.
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