AUTOMATIC fire alarms account for more than 50 per cent of calls to some fire stations, according to new figures.

North Yorkshire Fire Service said the volume of calls creates a considerable drain on resources and identified the issue as an area of concern in a recent performance report.

The service has put together a new approach to reducing the number of calls made.

Fire crews attending an automatic fire alarm (AFA) call will hand out advice sheets to the occupier and a liaison officer may be appointed for premises identified as having a particular problem.

This officer will meet regularly with the management of the site to discuss the best way of reducing unwanted calls.

The service's fire safety support section will also provide a detailed report of premises that have been responsible for two or more calls a month, or six calls within six months.

Nigel Hutchinson, deputy chief fire officer, said: "The service has introduced measures to assist occupiers of premises to reduce the occurrence of AFA actuations and will continue to monitor the trend in such calls and where necessary review these measures periodically."

The second part of the campaign aims to cut the time wasted on dealing with unwanted calls from AFAs.

In August 2003, it was agreed that only one fire engine would be sent to calls from an automatic fire alarm in York, Harrogate and Scarborough.

Between August 1, 2003 and December 31, last year, the service received 1,259 calls to AFAs in those three areas.

Mr Hutchinson said: "The result of this policy has been around 1,200 fewer appliance movements than would have otherwise occurred.

"As well as reducing the risk to the community and our staff of appliances being involved in accidents, this has had the effect of reducing disturbance to other work crews were engaged in.

"This has released about 2,500 staff hours. Most of this time is being directed towards community safety activities."