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
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that there is a new FY2026-27 DBA Fee Schedule. Please note Parts, ASE hardware and annual monitoring are not subject to CPI increase.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises that the Direct Brigade Alarm annual monitoring fee will remain unchanged for the 2026-27 financial year.
Please note: Attachments associated with archived alerts have been removed. If you require access to these attachments, please contact DBA directly.
December 1, 2025
DBA ‘C’ Series Forms & AS Templates
DFES Direct Brigade Alarm announce new ‘C’ Series Forms and AS Templates are available on the DBA webpage under publications section.
To support a smooth transition, there will be a transitional period until 1 June 2026 during which both the current and new formats of the C Series Forms may be used.
From 1 June 2026 onward, the new format will become mandatory, and the transitional period will end.
Please visit the DBA website to access the updated forms and templates here.
If you require further information, please call FAMS Customer Service Centre on 1300 793 722.
May 29, 2025
DFES DBA Fees Schedule FY 2025 – 2026
DFES advise that from 01st July 2025 until 30th June 2026 the new DBA Fees schedule applies.
Please click here for the DBA Fees Schedule
If you require further information, please visit Fire Alarm monitoring Services website (www.firealarmmonitoringservices.com.au) or call FAMS Customer Service Centre on 1300 793 722.
April 12, 2025
DBA Annual Monitoring Fees FY 2025 – 2026
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises that the annual monitoring fee for the 2025–2026 financial year have now been released.
For further details, please click here.
If you require additional information, please contact the FAMS Customer Service Centre on 1300 793 722.
December 2, 2024
DBA – CODERED ASE MK4 – FDCIE Installation Bulletin
DFES advise the Fire Alarm Industry to review the attached Technical Bulletin to come into effect from January 1st, 2025.
PURPOSE
To ensure the fire alarm industry in Western Australia provides a minimal Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE) installation requirement in the fire panel or fire detection control and indicating equipment (FDCIE) and is ready for the CodeRed ASE MK4 connection.
BACKGROUND
At the beginning of the second quarter of 2024, DFES organised the industry update with the FDCIE manufacturers and released the new documents for the MK4 installation. Most FDCIE were expected to be ready for MK4 installation by the end of October 2024. DFES provided a six-month transitional period for the industry to make adjustments.
ISSUES
Due to the industry’s slow uptake in adhering to the requirements set out for the installation of the MK4, as of 1 January 2025, it will be the responsibility of the C6 applicant to ensure the readiness of the FDCIE for MK4 installation.
Further details can be found FDCIE Installation Bulletin
May 31, 2024
DBA FEES Schedule FY 2024-2025
DFES advise that from 01st July 2024 until 30th June 2025 the new DBA Fees schedule applies.
Please click here for the DBA Fees Schedule
If you require further information, please visit Fire Alarm monitoring Services website (www.firealarmmonitoringservices.com.au) or call FAMS Customer Service Centre on 1300 793 722.
April 9, 2024
INTRODUCING ASE MK 4
DFES operates an automatic fire alarm monitoring network with over 4330 DBAs across Western Australia, conforming to AS 1670.3. The CodeRed ASE Model MK4 is a new dual cellular device designed and manufactured in Australia. It conforms to AS 4428.6:2018 and is certified for use in Australia with ActivFire Certificate of Conformity afp—3776. MK4 is provided to DFES customers for automatic fire alarm monitoring in Western Australia, whether for new DBA connections or maintenance replacements.
The MK4 is designed with near field communication (NFC) technology requiring key fob or mobile app to place the MK4 into the TESTMODE. During the transitional period, DFES will initially supply customers with a temporary key fob (site key), which will be disabled once the mobile app is ready for the fire industry in Western Australia.
Documents can be found here
January 28, 2024
AS1670.3 DIRECT BRIGADE ALARM (DBA) REQUIREMENTS
DFES advise AS 1670.3 Fire Alarm monitoring or Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA) requirements table is available on www.firealarmmonitoringservices.com.au website.
Navigate to AS-1670.3-DBA-Requirements-Table for further information.
Please contact FAMS on 1300 793 722 if you have any further queries.
November 16, 2023
DFES DBA ‘C’ FORMS
DFES advise that all existing ‘C’ Forms have been updated to a new editable PDF format and are now available on FAMS Website.
Previous PDF and word document versions should no longer be used and may be rejected on receipt.
Please contact FAMS on 1300 793 722 if you have any further queries.
June 30, 2022
DBA FEES SCHEDULE 2022-23
DFES advises that from 1st of July 2022 until 30th of June 2023 the new DBA FEES SCHEDULE applies.
For more enquiries please contact Fire Alarm Monitoring Services on 1300 793 722 or wacsc@chubb.com.au.
February 9, 2022
DBA TECH BULLETIN – FEB 2022
DFES wish to advise that technical bulletin regarding “Fire detection system monitoring of wet fire service valves & remote access and control of FDCIE through software or mobile application” has been published.
Please click here to download a copy in PDF format
Please distribute this to anyone in your organisation that this update will apply to.
If you have any queries or wish to have contacts added to the mailing list please email wacsc@chubb.com.au
May 24, 2021
ASE Update May 2021
From May 1st 2021 new Direct Brigade Alarm, Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE) installed will comply with AS 1670.3 2018.
Changes to be noted, Test Mode has been extended to 240 minutes, Isolate Mode is no longer available and additional Alarm Status to ASE display.
March 10, 2021
DBA – FDAS & EWIS Cable Segregation Guide (10/03/2021)
DFES advise an FDAS & EWIS Cable Segregation Guide has been published on the Fire Alarm Monitoring website you can find a copy of the guide in the Fire Service Agents document library
Otherwise you can click this link to download a copy in PDF format
Please distribute this to anyone in your organisation that this guide will apply to.
If you have any queries or wish to have contacts added to the mailing list please email wacsc@chubb.com.au
September 9, 2020
DBA Connection Code Update (31/08/2020)
DFES General Advice
Updated DBA Connection Code
Please be advised that the DBA connection code has been updated as at 31/08/2020. A copy of the new connection code can be downloaded by clicking here or visiting the document library.
For any queries regarding the code please email DBA@DFES.WA.GOV.AU
July 17, 2020
DBA FEES SCHEDULE 2020-21
DFES advises that from 1st of July 2020 until 30th of June 2021 the new DBA FEES SCHEDULE applies.
For more enquiries please contact Fire Alarm Monitoring Services on 1300 793 722 or wacsc@chubb.com.au.
February 25, 2020
FDCIE & EWCIE Clearance Requirements
DFES has updated the clearance requirements for wall mounted, recessed and enclosed FDCIE & EWCIE
To download a copy of this document please click here
Alternatively the document can be found in the Fire Service Agents – Document Library here.
Please direct any queries to DBA@DFES.WA.GOV.AU
October 8, 2019
Direct Brigade Alarm Monitoring Service Outage Notice – 17th of October, 2019 (10 minutes)
As a result of planned maintenance by the telecommunications provider, the Direct Brigade Alarm fire alarm monitoring system in Western Australia is subject to a brief outage on the 17th of October 2019 between 01:00 AM to 06:00 AM. The outage is likely to be for a 10-minute period within this time window.
This outage will delay the Department of Fire and Emergency Services from receiving Direct Brigade Alarm activations or faults.
All persons responsible for a building or premises with a Direct Brigade Alarm (Code Red) Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE):
All emergency and fire events will require a “000” call for assistance during the plannedoutage.
When the Network is restored, queued signals will be transmitted to DFES.
Direct Brigade Alarm clients should refer to section 13 of the End User Agreement which outlies the risks and responsibilities in the event of a network failure or interruption. To download a copy of this alert please click here.
July 2, 2019
DBA FEES SCHEDULE 2019 – 2020 (UPDATE)
Please note that the previous fee schedule sent out was incorrect and has now been updated. Please use the updated schedule from the website
DFES advises that from 1st of July 2019 until 30th of June 2020 the new DBA FEES SCHEDULE applies.
For more enquires please contact Fire Alarm Monitoring Services on 1300 793 722 or wacsc@chubb.com.au.
June 27, 2019
DBA FEES SCHEDULE 2019 – 2020
DFES advises that from 1st of July 2019 until 30th of June 2020 the new DBA FEES SCHEDULE applies.
For more enquires please contact Fire Alarm Monitoring Services on 1300 793 722 or wacsc@chubb.com.au.
June 16, 2019
APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER DIRECT BRIGADE ALARM (DBA) BRENDAN O’REGAN
APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER DIRECT BRIGADE ALARM (DBA)
BRENDAN O’REGAN
DFES General Circular – Appointment of Manager Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA)
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Brendan O’Regan to the role of Manager, Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA) with effect from 23 July 2019.
Brendan joins us from GRAMA BAZITA GROUP where he held the position of Senior Fire Protection Engineer.
As of 1 July 2019 the Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA) department joins Built Environment and will be reporting to the Superintendent Built Environment.
Please join me in welcoming Brendan and the DBA team to Built Environment.
ALLAN RILEY
SUPERINTENDENT
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
October 6, 2016
DBA FEES SCHEDULE
DFES advises that from 1st of November 2016 until 1st of July 2017 new DBA FEES SCHEDULE applies.
For more enquires please contact Fire Alarm Monitoring Services on 1300 793 722 or wacsc@chubb.com.au.
May 10, 2016
DBA network restored.
Primary communications for the DBA network have been restored and the PSTN modems are clearing the backlog, monitoring for the DBA network is up and running.
May 10, 2016
State-wide Telstra outage.
We are currently experiencing a Telstra outage across WA , Telstra are working hard to resolve this issue.
In the event of an alarm please have sites call 000.
July 11, 2014
AS3000 Compliance
AS1670.1 (2004) requires the electrical installation to the Fire Indicator Panel to comply with AS3000. AS3000 (2007) requires that the supply to the FIP be specifically compliant to Clauses 2.9.2.4 & 7.2.6.2.
These requirements are not the obligation of the fire alarm service agent, but the electrician and the contractor connecting the essential primary supply to the FIP.
The signage at the entrances may be resolved by placing the Main Switch Board location on the FIP zone plan, or contractors may elect to install the signage as required.
Failure to comply with either of these requirements will delay new DBA connections. See links below to view attachments for requirement details and examples.
AS3000 Clause 7.2.6.2 – Cct Brkr ID Signage
AS3000 Clause 7.2.6.2 – Cct Brkr ID Signage (Example)
AS3000 Clause 2.9.2.4 – Main SB Location Signage
AS3000 Clause 2.9.2.4 – Main SB Location Signage (Example – Zone Plan)
Contact details for the DBACM can be found here.
July 28, 2014
AS1670.1 (2004) and AS3000 (2007) Requirements
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
DIRECT BRIGADE ALARM (DBA) TECHNICAL BULLETIN
JULY 2014 (ADVICE 3)
AS1670.1 (2004) requires the electrical installation to the Fire Indicator Panel to comply with AS3000.
AS3000 (2007) requires that the supply to the FIP be specifically compliant to Clauses 2.9.2.4 & 7.2.6.2.
These requirements are not the obligation of the fire alarm agent, but the electrician, and/or the contractor connecting the essential primary supply to the FIP.
The signage at the entrances maybe resolved by placing the Main Switch Board location on the FIP zone plan, or they may elect to install the signage as required.
The wording, if placed on the FIP Zone Plan, shall be specifically ‘
MAIN ELECTRICAL SWITCH BOARD’ and not MSB, MEB, or MAIN SWITCH BOARD.
Attached are examples of the signage requirement and labelling requirement:
* SEE IMAGE 1
Emergency Services Complex, 20 Stockton Bend, Cockburn Central WA 6164, PO Box P1174 Perth WA 6844 Tel (08) 9395 9300 Fax (08) 9395 9384 dfes@dfes.wa.gov.au www.dfes.wa.gov.au
EXAMPLE OF TYPICAL SWITCH BOARD FIP CCB LABEL
* SEE IMAGE 2
For further advice or clarification re this matter, contact the DBA Contracts Manager at DFES on 08 9395 9865 or 0408 958 483, or email jeff.morton@dfes.wa.gov.au
June 30, 2014
ASE Height in FIP for DBA Connections
DFES will no longer connect ANY fire indicator panel (FIP) to the DBA network where the Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE) cannot be mounted between 750mm and 1850mm as required by AS1670.1
DFES have conducted an investigation and results found that once the ASE is connected to the FIP battery or power supply (as required) then it’s considered to be part of the FIP CIE – therefore AS1670.1 Clause 3.9 applies.
This change will take effect immediately.
Please contact the DFES DBA Contract Manager for advice if this may effect or delay an imminent DBA connection. Contact details for the DBACM can be found here.
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)
