False Fire Alarms

False fire alarms can be costly to the City and to our taxpayers and may happen deliberately, accidentally or through human/mechanical error.

To reduce false fire alarms, and ensure our firefighters are where they’re needed most, residents and business owners will be charged for false alarms that have occurred more than once at the same location within a 12-month period – other than approved fire alarm systems maintained as per ULC S536 requirements.

False Alarm Response Fees

There is no charge for the first false alarm (where St. Albert Fire Services is dispatched to your home/business for the purpose of attending a possible fire in progress) as a result of your fire alarm system being activated. The second and subsequent false fire alarms per location will result in an invoice for a response fee as follows:

Fees

Response Type	2026 Fees
First False Alarm	No Charge
Second False Alarm	$250
Third False Alarm	$650
Fourth False Alarm	$975
Fifth and Subsequent False Alarms	$1,300

Payment is requested within 30 days of the incident. If this amount is not paid, the process to collect the amount through collections will be implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a false fire alarm?

A false fire alarm occurs when Fire Services responds to a call that was the result of a non-emergency situation or faulty alarm system.

False fire alarms most often occur when your security system is not stopped in time before it alerts the fire department. It is your responsibility to understand how to use the security system appropriately by ensuring you disarm it in time or call your alarm company immediately if it falsely detects an emergency.

Smoke alarms that are not tied directly into a security system will not alert Fire Services.

What steps can I take to reduce unwanted alarms?

Most false fire alarms can be prevented by regularly maintaining your alarm system and understanding how to use it properly.

Keep the following tips in mind to prevent false fire alarms:

Complete regular maintenance on your alarm system.
Read your alarm system user manual to understand the various types of responses that may occur and how to deactivate the system when necessary.
Double check that you have set up the right response for the right type of alarm, for example, an intrusion alarm (glass break, motion sensors, break and enter) should not trigger a fire rescue response. Contact your alarm system company to discuss this in more detail.
Be proactive when conducting any construction or renovations in your home by keeping dust to a minimum/preventing dust from reaching any smoke alarms.
Monitor cooking areas closely to stop any kitchen fires before they start.
Use exhaust fans when cooking or taking a shower.
Only have certified inspectors maintaining your system.
Business owners should install security cameras and pull station covers.
Clean detectors regularly. Don’t let dust build up.
For business owners, only allow smoking in designated locations outside.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.

What should I do when I go on vacation?

Ensure anyone watching over your property understands how to shut off your alarm system including having access to any relevant security codes or contact information.

If someone is staying in your home, review proactive ways they can stop any false fire alarms from happening such as turning on exhaust fans when cooking and monitoring cooking areas closely.