Devon's Fire and Rescue Service is introducing a new system to try to cut false alarm call-outs.
The service says it receives nearly 6,000 calls a year to automatic fire alarms, but less than 7% of those incidents actually involve a fire. 90% of these being false/unwanted calls.
Organisations affected by false alarms will now need to buy a reference number which will be kept on a database.
The number, which will cost £35, will then be used by the brigade to ensure they keep an efficient system.
The brigade's Community Safety Manager, Divisional Officer Pete Smith, said: "We believe this policy will make a significant impact on the reduction of false alarm calls.
"The majority of calls to automatic fire alarms are false alarms. When our crews are tied up investigating a false alarm, it affects our ability to respond to a real emergency."
The brigade said it was taking the stance as a result following national guidance from the Chief Fire Officers' Association and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Use this page to download your application form for your Unique Reference Number as issued by the Fire Brigade.
Click the picture above to download all the information and application form for your URN.
What to do Now
Make your cheques of £35.00 payable to;
DEVON FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY
Download the application form from this page.
Fill out the form and send it with the cheque.
Send to;
SERVICE HEADQUARTERS
THE KNOWLE
CLYST ST GEORGE
EXETER
DEVON
EX3 0NW
