Reduce False Alarms

A By-Law to Reduce False Alarms

The City of Greater Sudbury has introduced a by-law to reduce the number of false alarms received by local fire stations. The by-law applies to alarm systems that automatically notify fire services when activated. The by-law does not apply to battery operated and hardwired smoke detectors used in most homes.

Effective November 1, 2005

False Alarms
Greater Sudbury Fire Services will charge property owners when responding to alarms under the following circumstances:

False alarms resulting from alarm systems that are not operating properly due to poor maintenance or faulty equipment.
False alarms resulting from alarm systems that are tested without notifying Greater Sudbury Fire Services in advance of the test.

Penalties for repeat offenders
Property owners will be given reasonable opportunity to correct the circumstances resulting in false alarms. If the same address continues to generate false alarms, property owners will be charged.

For the first offence, a charge of $360 per hour for each Greater Sudbury Fire Services vehicle that responds to a false alarm.
For subsequent offences, an hourly and per vehicle fee that is $360 higher than the last fee charged.

Electronic home surveillance
Some property owners have an electronic home surveillance system that automatically contacts Fire Services if the smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector is activated.

Fire Services staff may visit homes to make recommendations that will help reduce unnecessary activation of alarm systems. Multiple false alarms due to consistently poor maintenance or faulty equipment may result in charges for fire response.

Vandalism
There is no charge for fire response to public, commercial or multi-unit residential buildings when an alarm is activated at a red pull station. Vandals and pranksters should be aware that deliberate activation of a false fire alarm could result in criminal charges.

Battery operated or hardwired smoke detectors
There is no charge for fire response to emergency calls at private residences using standard battery operated or hardwired smoke detectors.Smoke detectors save lives. By law in the Province of Ontario, all residences must have at least one working smoke alarm outside each sleeping area.