Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a record number of fire-related false alarms last year, new figures show. 

Home Office data shows that the fire service attended 3,429 fire-related false alarms across the county in 2023/24. 

This was up from 3,091 the year before and the highest figure since 2010/11. 

In total, 79 per cent of fire-related false alarms were due to fire alarm or fire-fighting equipment errors while 17 per cent were made in good faith, and four per cent were maliciously activated.

They accounted for 43 per cent of all 7,996 incidents attended, including non-fire related incidents and non-fire false alarms.

READ MORE: Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue workforce down by third

False alarms are when the fire service attends a location believing there to be an incident when there is not. 

Nationally, fire services attended the highest number of false alarms in 13 years with 254,000 recorded last year - a four per cent rise on 2022/23 and the highest since 2011/12.

Fire crews across England attended 182,000 false alarms due to faulty equipment, an 8 per cent rise on the previous year and 42 per cent of all 600,000 attended incidents.

But the Fire Brigades Union has stressed it is "vital" to investigate all fire alarms to protect people and properties.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Firefighters don’t go to false alarms, they only come back from them.

"Automatic alarms are fitted in commercial premises so that firefighters can respond quickly and prevent fires from spreading while buildings are unoccupied.

“Fires are not always obvious, and fire crews are trained and equipped to detect and tackle them early.

"Businesses must ensure that alarms are maintained and functioning to avoid accidental callouts.

“False alarms must not be used to justify dangerous cuts to the fire service.

"Responding to and investigating alarms is vital for protecting livelihoods, properties and lives.”

A Home Office spokesperson added: “Public safety is the highest priority for our dedicated firefighters.

“It is essential people regularly check fire alarms and have procedures in place to ensure they are maintained in an efficient state, working order and in good repair.”