Direct Brigade Alarm - Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Fire alarm monitoring

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.

FAMS is responsible for:

Monitoring
- Outbound event notification
- Inbound customer and technical support
Customer Service
- New Connections
- Disconnections
- DBA Changes (including owner/ biller changes)
- Billing and Debt Recovery
- Equipment management and warranty

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.

Premises requiring DBA

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.

Building

Cases

Notes / Examples

Characteristics

Building with an effective height of more than 25m

Required to be provided with AS 2118 Part 1 & 6 sprinkler system and zone pressurisation system

A building with automatic fire sprinkler system as per AS 2118 Part 1, 4 & 6

AS 2118 Part 1 – automatic fire sprinkler systems
AS 2118 Part 4 – sprinkler protection for accommodation buildings not exceeding 4 storeys in height (as applicable ref: BCA S18C3 System requirements)
AS 2118 Part 6 – combined sprinkler and hydrant systems
Class 2 and 3 buildings not more than 25 m in effective height with a rise in storeys of 4 or more,
Class 7a part of building with more than 40 car bays
Large Isolated Buildings

A building with smoke detection in accordance with S20C6 smoke detection for smoke control systems provided to activate—

a smoke exhaust system in accordance with Specification 21; or
smoke-and-heat vents in accordance with Specification 22

Class 9b nightclub, discotheque or the like
Class 9b theatres, public or exhibition halls

A fire detection alarm system (FDAS) complying with AS 1670.1

Class 3 – a smoke detection system –
- is more than 2 storeys above ground level; or
- accommodates more than 20 residents within the residential part of a school, accommodation for the aged, children or people with a disability
Class 9a – accommodates more than 20 patients
Class 9c – aged care facility provided with smoke detection system
Large Isolated Buildings

Additional Design Requirements

Performance solution(s) requiring AS1670.3 fire alarm monitoring

Omission of fire pumps and tanks (not always)
Significant fire load
Complicated egress strategy
Vulnerable occupants

AS 1670.3 fire alarm monitoring required by the Permit Authority or Insurance

Required under Permit Authority Occupancy Permit
Required under Insurance Policy
Where building owners or occupants require an automatic, autonomous response by the fire brigade to AS 1670.1 fire detection alarm system activation

False fire alarms

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.

In 2024–25, DFES attended more than 9,200 DBA false fire alarms - an avoidable demand the reduction strategy seeks to address through targeted engagement, compliance action and, where necessary, the application of fees to the building owner or manager.

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False fire alarm fee - fact sheet (PDF - 1.1mb) Managing false fire alarms - fact sheet (PDF - 565kb)

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.

Application to waive a false fire alarm fee

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.