Submitted by Madawaska Valley Fire Chief Corwin Quade
Over the past few months, the Madawaska Valley Fire Department has responded to four fire alarm calls in which the fire alarms were intentionally pulled.
False alarms are a serious safety concern because we respond to them as emergencies. This makes crews unavailable for an actual emergency. It is illegal to pull a fire alarm that is malicious in nature. The fine for maliciously pulling a fire alarm is $339; along with this, you may be sent a bill for the response of the trucks.
What is a malicious false alarm?
The negligent or intentional misuse of a fire alarm system results in system activation. This does not include the activation of a fire alarm system under circumstances that would have caused a careful or prudent person to believe that a fire-related emergency was in progress in a building.
The fire department is required to respond to fire alarms and 911 calls. They are more than willing to answer fire calls to ensure public safety. Should you have questions or concerns, contact your local fire service. They are more than happy to discuss fire safety with you.
Madawaska Valley Fire Department(2024,Jan.24) Press Release for pulling a fire alarm [media release]
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