What we're looking to change

Some of the options propose not responding to automatic fire alarms without confirmation of a sign of fire in the industrial and commercial, and retail and public assembly categories. At the moment we respond to automatic fire alarms in retail and public assembly during weekend daytimes, when in reality there are lots of people there to call 999 if there is a genuine emergency.

For residential properties such as hotels and hospitals, we are looking at an option to change how we respond to automatic fire alarms during weekday daytimes, only responding when we have received confirmation of a sign of fire. This is because there are generally staff on-site during weekday daytimes, with lots of people to call 999.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 it is the responsibility of businesses to make sure they have a nominated person who is responsible for managing fire safety, including procedures for alerting emergency services and evacuating premises.

We will continue to work with businesses to provide advice and support them in this role.

The consultation will also ask whether any specific types of building should be exempted from any changes.