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.