Fire or life threatening emergencies: 000
Emergency Information: 13 3337
SES Emergency Assistance: 132 500
Fire or life threatening emergencies: 000
Emergency Information: 13 3337
SES Emergency Assistance: 132 500
In Western Australia, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) provides a fire alarm monitoring network, known as the Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA).
This service is provided to premises prescribed under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards that require a direct data link to a fire brigade dispatch centre, known as the Communication Centre (ComCen). Additionally, the service is available to building owners who require an autonomous and automatic fire brigade response upon alarm activation of the Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS).
The network is owned and operated by DFES, with Customer Service Centre (CSC), administration, and certain monitoring requirements subcontracted to Chubb Fire & Security Pty Ltd, trading as Fire Alarm Monitoring Services (FAMS). FAMS operates the CSC, available 24/7, and monitors the network and customers’ Fire Indicator Panel (FIP), which is fitted with a DFES Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE) device. Upon alarm activation, the ASE transmits the alarm signal directly to the ComCen for processing and appliance turnout. Fault signals and non-brigade alarms (secondary alarms) for tanks, pumps and other events are processed by CSC.
The following premises require fire alarm monitoring in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards. Additionally, DBA could be provided to support the design requirements or the Permit Authority requirement, and in some cases, may be required under the Insurance Policy.
Required to be provided with AS 2118 Part 1 & 6 sprinkler system and zone pressurisation system.
DFES is focused on reducing unnecessary false fire alarm responses, so firefighters remain available for genuine emergencies.
A false fire alarm occurs when a Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA) monitored fire alarm system activates and DFES responds, but there is no fire or emergency. While fire alarm systems are critical to life safety, repeated false alarms indicate that a system may not be appropriately managed, maintained or matched to how a building is used. For example, routine activities such as cooking in kitchens or short showers in bathrooms should not result in fire alarm activations.
DFES is legally required to respond to fire alarm activations. Reducing false alarm attendances relies on early intervention, system improvements and responsible management by building owners and managers, particularly at premises experiencing a higher-than-normal rate of activations.
False fire alarms can occur due to everyday activities, poor system management, or fire alarm systems that are not appropriately designed for how a building is used. The most common causes include:
Building owners and managers are responsible for ensuring fire alarm systems are correctly installed, maintained, upgraded and fit for purpose.
Building owners and managers play a critical role in preventing false fire alarms. Most false alarms are avoidable with appropriate system management, maintenance and day-to-day controls.
Maintain and renew fire alarm systems
In addition to mandatory monthly testing, fire alarm components must be cleaned, serviced and replaced as they age. Delaying replacement of end-of-life components can lead to repeated false alarms before remedial works can be implemented. Keep records of when key components - such as fire panels, sprinkler systems, detectors and cabling - are due for replacement or upgrade.
Do not leave cooking unattended
Burnt toast, sandwich presses and overheated microwave food are leading causes of false alarms. Normal cooking activities should not activate a fire alarm system, and repeated activations may indicate a building or system design issue.
Manage steam and humidity
Steam from showers, kettles and cleaning activities can activate smoke detectors. Ensure adequate ventilation and external extraction, and isolate areas during industrial or steam-producing cleaning activities.
Avoid aerosols near detectors
Hair spray, deodorants and insect sprays can trigger smoke detectors and should not be used near smoke detectors.
Do not smoke/vape indoors
Smoking, vaping, incense and candles generate smoke, vapour or heat and should be kept well away from fire alarm detectors.
Manage building works and refurbishments
Dust, paint fumes and airborne particles from works such as grinding, cutting or sanding can activate alarms. Use appropriate detector covers, supervise contractors, and isolate alarm zones during these works.
Protect manual call points
Install audible protective covers to reduce accidental or malicious activation. Where installed, DFES will likely waive the false fire alarm fee upon application with supporting evidence.
Ensure detectors are suitable for their location
Review detectors in kitchens, bathrooms and high-steam areas and replace with suitable alternatives (such as heat detectors), where permitted.
Complex sites
Shopping centres and hotels may benefit from system solutions such as alarm delays or Type B dependencies. Contact DFES to discuss suitability.
For guidance contact the DFES Regulation and Compliance Branch on (08) 9395 9823 or falsefirealarms@dfes.wa.gov.au.
If you believe a false fire alarm fee has been issued incorrectly, or you have received a notification of attendance in error, you may apply for a fee waiver. Applications must be submitted by the building owner or an authorised representative within 21 days of the invoice date or notification of attendance email.
All applications are assessed, and you will be notified of the outcome in writing.
For guidance on reducing false fire alarm activations, review the information on this page or contact the DFES Regulation and Compliance Branch on (08) 9395 9823 or falsefirealarms@dfes.wa.gov.au.
Providing clear and relevant evidence will help DFES assess your request more efficiently.
A false fire alarm is when the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is alerted to attend a premises in response to an alarm where there is no fire or emergency.
In 2016 DFES implemented the false fire alarm fee as part of a larger initiative to reduce the number of false fire alarms that firefighters respond to. Reducing the number of false fire alarms will help with:
The strategy is designed to reduce unnecessary emergency callouts by encouraging building owners and managers to actively prevent repeat false fire alarm activations.
Only a small number of buildings experience four or more false alarms each year - most premises have very few or none. The strategy is therefore focused on buildings with higher-than-normal alarm activity, where repeated false alarms indicate that maintenance, system management or operating behaviours may need to be improved.
The false fire alarm fee is one tool within the strategy, used to promote early intervention, timely rectification and responsible management of monitored fire alarm systems. Reducing false alarms keeps firefighters available for real emergencies and minimises disruptions to businesses and the wider community.
As of 1 August 2021 the fee is $1337 per false fire alarm attendance. GST is exempted.
If this occurs, the attendances will only be calculated as one (1) attendance to allow owners/occupiers time to rectify the issues causing the false fire alarms. (a 24 hour period is calculated from midnight to midnight)
The fee applies after the third false fire alarm at a building within a financial year (1 July – 30 June).
An invoice is issued to the building owner or manager from the fourth false alarm onwards, and for each subsequent false alarm in that same year.
False fire alarm invoices are issued to the building owner or manager recorded as the responsible party for the monitored fire alarm system. This is the entity registered with DFES as managing the alarm account.
If you believe you have received an invoice in error, the building’s fire alarm account details will need to be updated as soon as possible.
Full contact information and online enquiry options can be found in the Contacts section of this website.
In accordance with section 36ZL(1)(d) of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1998, DFES has the power to charge a false fire alarm fee for responding to a false alarm.
In 2024–25, DFES responded to 9,264 false fire alarms at buildings connected to a direct brigade fire alarm system - almost one-third of all incidents attended.
Most buildings have 0–3 alarms per year, however a smaller group experience repeated activations. The reduction strategy is focused on these higher-volume sites to improve alarm management and keep firefighters available for real emergencies.
Fire alarm systems play a vital role in safety, but they must be maintained, managed and improved to prevent unnecessary callouts.
No, charging for false fire alarms is common practice across Australia by fire services.
These schemes share a common goal, to encourage building owners and managers to maintain and manage fire alarm systems responsibly, reducing unnecessary callouts and freeing up emergency resources for genuine incidents.
FAMS is responsible for:
In all operations, FAMS acts on behalf of DFES, and there is a complete commercial separation between FAMS and the Chubb Fire & Security Pty Ltd business units. This ensures that Chubb has no conflict of interest and guarantees the delivery of an independent service on behalf of DFES.
For more information about this service or to get your FDAS connected, please refer to the Contacts section.
Fire alarm maintenance and system performance are the responsibility of the building owner or manager. They must ensure the system:
Occupants do not manage fire alarm systems, but they play an important role by following building procedures and reporting issues.
If you are an occupant and have concerns about maintenance or system performance, please contact the building owner or manager in the first instance.
If you have urgent safety concerns relating to the operation of a monitored fire alarm system, you may contact DFES Regulation and Compliance Branch on 08 9395 9823 or email falsefirealarms@dfes.wa.gov.au.
Some building owners or managers may choose to pass on false fire alarm costs to occupants. This is a private commercial arrangement between those parties.
DFES does not support on-billing to individuals, particularly where DFES has not issued a fee.
If you have been charged and are unsure whether DFES issued the original invoice, or you need clarification, please contact Regulation and Compliance on (08) 9395 9823 or falsefirealarms@dfes.wa.gov.au.
If you believe a false fire alarm fee has been issued in error, the owner, strata manager or authorised account holder may submit an Application to Waive a False Fire Alarm Fee within 21 days of the invoice date.
Supporting information should be provided with the application.
The Application is available by clicking here.
If you experience difficulty lodging the form, please email DFES Regulation and Compliance Branch at falsefirealarms@dfes.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9395 9823 for assistance.
In Western Australia, the requirement to install a Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA) may be mandated under legislation via the Building Code of Australia (BCA). If your premises are classified as requiring fire alarm monitoring under the BCA, failure to have an active DBA connection may render the building unlawful to occupy.
In addition to legislative requirements, some property owners choose to install a DBA for insurance benefits or peace of mind.
Fire Alarm Monitoring Services (FAMS) is the contracted Automatic Fire Alarm Service Provider (AFASP) by DFES to provide fire alarm monitoring services in Western Australia, this includes administration, monitoring and equipment management services.
To connect premises to the DBA network, a building owner or their nominated representative must engage a registered fire services contractor. These contractors must be registered by either the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA) or the National Fire Industry Association (NFIA).
No, Fire Alarm Monitoring Services (FAMS) only provides monitoring services for fire alarms. Each premises must engage its own fire services provider, who is responsible for the installation, testing, and maintenance of the fire alarm system.
Fire service contractors must be registered with either the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA) or the National Fire Industry Association (NFIA).
Each building’s Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) will include a service logbook, which records the details of the contractor responsible for regular testing and maintenance in accordance with AS 1851, Australian Standard for routine service of fire protection systems and equipment.
Yes. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) requires all Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA) customers to have a signed End User Agreement (EUA) in place. The EUA is a legal contract between DFES and the customer that authorises the commencement or continuation of fire alarm monitoring services.
The EUA outlines key responsibilities, including:
Without a signed EUA, DFES will not activate or maintain monitoring of your fire alarm system.
No. The terms of the End User Agreement (EUA) are set by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and are reviewed periodically by the State Solicitor’s Office. These terms are standardised and not subject to individual negotiation or modification.
The EUA forms part of DFES’s official terms of service and applies equally to all Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA) customers.
View the required forms for each system below, or browse all forms in one place.
Fire Alarm Monitoring Services (FAMS)
Customer Services Centre (CSC) (available 24/7)
1300 793 722 OPT: 1
PO Box 3238
SUCCESS WA 6964
Level 3
1 Preston St
COMO WA 6152
Fire Alarm Monitoring Services (FAMS)
120 Cutler Rd
JANDAKOT WA 6164
Call 000
Call 13 DFES (13 3337)
08 9395 9209
08 9395 9210
(available 24/7)
