Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) doesn’t automatically send crews when an automatic fire alarm operates. For most premises, anyone reporting an automatic fire alarm has to confirm a fire, or signs of fire, before crews are mobilised. The policy applies day and night and has done since 2 April 2013. Some premises, such as sheltered accommodation and those with an individual risk assessment, are treated differently.
What the policy says
KFRS doesn’t automatically respond to automatic fire alarm systems. Instead it filters calls to cut the number of false alarms it attends: anyone reporting an automatic fire alarm must confirm there is a fire, or signs of fire beyond the alarm itself, before its control room sends crews.
Before April 2013, calls were only challenged during the day; since then the policy has applied 24 hours a day. Sheltered accommodation, premises with an individual risk assessment and domestic smoke alarms are handled differently. If you run a care home, hospital or hospice, check your current arrangement with KFRS directly.
What it means for you
An alarm on its own usually won’t bring a fire engine
That includes monitored systems. Your alarm receiving centre can pass on the signal and call your keyholders, but someone still has to confirm a fire. Agree with your alarm receiving centre who they call, and in what order.
Your fire procedure has to cover the gap
- Who checks where the alarm came from, and how they do it without putting themselves at risk
- Who calls 999, and that they do so straight away if there are any signs of fire
- What happens out of hours, when the building may be empty
- How keyholders are contacted, and how quickly they can get there
Make the source easy to find
A clear zone plan by the panel, accurate zone text and, in larger buildings, addressable detection that identifies the exact device all help whoever responds. On Ajax EN54 systems we install, FireFind sends keyholders a link to the building’s floor plan showing which detector has operated.
Cut false alarms
The fewer false alarms you have, the more seriously a real one is taken. The right detector in the right place, such as heat detection in kitchens, good maintenance and recording every false alarm in the logbook all help. BS 5839-1:2025 gathers its false alarm guidance into one section and adds a method for calculating false alarm rates. KFRS also offers free advice on reducing false alarms.
How we help
- Fire alarm designs with clear zoning and zone plans, to BS 5839-1:2025
- Connection to an alarm receiving centre, with a call list that suits your building
- FireFind on new Ajax EN54 systems
- Servicing that includes reviewing false alarms and fixing their causes
- Training your staff on the panel and the weekly test
Want a view on your current set-up? Site surveys and advice are free, covering your fire alarm, emergency lighting and paperwork. Or call 01303 720282.
Questions
Will Kent Fire and Rescue come if my fire alarm goes off?
Not automatically. For most premises, callers must confirm a fire, or signs of fire, before crews are sent. If there are signs of fire, call 999 straight away.
Does alarm monitoring get around the policy?
No. A monitored alarm still needs someone to confirm a fire before crews are sent, so agree with your alarm receiving centre who they call, and in what order.
Sources
- Kent Fire and Rescue Service: fire alarms
- Kent Fire and Rescue Service: automatic fire alarm service policy
- Kent Fire and Rescue Service: false alarms from automatic fire alarm systems
This information is general guidance, not advice for any particular building, and standards and guidance change. Get advice from a competent person for your premises. See our website terms and disclaimer.
Policies change. Check Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s website for the current position.