AFA Fines and Charging
Authority [[department-of-home-affairs
Date received 2025-09-30
Outcome All information sent
Outcome date 2025-10-20
Topic [[other

Summary

The request sought details on the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service's charging policy for false Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) callouts. The authority disclosed the full 'User Pays Agreement' structure, including standard rates, public holiday surcharges, and escalating fees for properties with multiple false alarms.

Key Facts

  • Properties generating 1-4 false alarms per year are charged £395 per call (£790 on Public Holidays).
  • Properties generating 5-8 false alarms per year incur a 30% surcharge on calls 5 through 8.
  • Properties generating 9 or more false alarms per year are charged double the standard rate for calls 9 and over.
  • Actual fire situations are not subject to these charging fees.
  • Additional costs may apply if the call duration extends over one hour due to delays by responsible persons.

Data Disclosed

  • £395
  • £790
  • £513.50
  • £1,027
  • £1,580
  • 1 to 4 false alarm calls
  • 5 to 8 false alarm calls
  • 9 or more false alarm calls
  • 30%
  • double the standard rate
  • 2025-09-30
  • 2025-10-20
  • 4967697

Original Request

Dear Sir/Madam

Please could you provide information on the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service procedure for charging for callouts originating from false alarms by an Automatic Fire Alarm System (AFA), such as is there a standard fee per callout (Eg. £500 per false AFA) and whether there is a high rate charges for sites that create multiple false AFAs.

Many thanks