The way Dorset firefighters respond to automatic fire alarms is going to change from the beginning of April.

They will no longer attend Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs) at low risk commercial premises. 

During 2022/23, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service attended 1,946 AFAs in commercial premises which turned out to be unwanted false alarms.

The service stresses that the changes do not affect how it responds to residential buildings or anywhere that people sleep.

This change is being introduced to reduce the number of unwanted false alarms attended by fire crews, a spokesman said.

They added: "Such mobilisations can cause unnecessary risks to the public and responding firefighters, cause disruption to the business, and may delay a response to a genuine emergency."

Firefighters will still always attend for AFA activations in domestic and residential buildings; at all other places where people sleep, and identified higher risk premises; and at any premises where a fire is suspected, on receipt of a 999 call, or by confirmation by other means.

People who own or manage a commercial premises are advised to take a look at a video made by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

See www.dwfire.org.uk/business-fire-safety/automatic-fire-alarms/