Incidents

Charging Process

The MFB will write to the owner/occupier with details of the false alarm call before any fees and charges are levied. 

This letter will include:

  • a copy of the false alarm report completed by the attending fire officer
  • an invitation to make a written submission within 14 days from the date of the letter

Owner/Occupiers should provide a written submission* to the Board. 

This should outline:

  • The actions taken to address the false alarm activation
  • Evidence of maintenance if the call was generated by an equipment fault.  This information will greatly assist the Board in determining whether or not a charge will apply.

After 14 days, MFB’s Alarm Assessment Services will review the following information to determine if the owner/occupier has a reasonable excuse for the alarm being given:

  • The test history of the fire alarm system
  • The attending fire officer’s report
  • Any submission by the owner/occupier
  • The false alarm call history report
  • Other reports eg. From fire maintenance/monitoring companies
     

*Please write to:

Manager Alarm Assessment Services
Metropolitan Fire & Emergency Services Board
PO Box 151
MELBOURNE VIC 8002

or email submissions@mfb.vic.gov.au

Current charges and codes

Back to top
Facts and Features
Safety Tip

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council (AFAC) recommends monthly testing of smoke alarms to ensure they are working correctly.

readAllSafetyTips
Its True

Only working Smoke Alarms save lives.

smokeAlarms
Dial 000 for emergency