Key Holding and Alarm Response Services
Professional key holding, AFA (Automatic Fire Alarm) response, and 24/7 alarmed response units designed to protect your people, property, and operations.
As UK Fire & Rescue Services face ongoing budget cuts, many have introduced new policies limiting attendance to automatic fire alarms (AFAs) unless a confirmed fire is reported. This change places greater responsibility on organisations to manage alarm activations, maintain site security, and ensure competent responders are available at all times.
Fire & Evacuation Services provides a reliable, compliant, and fully SIA licensed keyholding service that bridges the gap created by these new policies. Our trained security operatives and mobile security guards deliver rapid investigation, safe building access, and coordinated communication with emergency services, ensuring your premises remain protected around the clock.
Why Budget Cuts Make Professional AFA Response Essential
Recent guidance from the Fire Industry Association (FIA) confirms that many UK Fire & Rescue Services now:
Reduce or remove automatic attendance to alarm activations in non-high-risk buildings.
Require responsible persons to check for fire before calling 999.
Prioritise genuine incidents to prevent unnecessary deployment caused by false alarms.
Expect businesses to have trained responders, clear response protocols, and effective security systems in place.
This shift makes professional alarm response services, keyholding services, and trusted security solutions essential for compliance.
Keyholding and Alarm Response – How It Works
Alarm Activation - Your fire or security system alerts our 24/7 monitoring centre.
Dispatch - A trained, alarmed response unit is deployed immediately.
Site Entry & Investigation - Using secure key holding, we enter the premises and investigate the activation zone, assessing for:
Smoke
Heat
Fire smell
Malfunction or false triggers
Decision & Escalation
If fire is confirmed → We call 999 and support evacuation.
If a false alarm → We reset the system, secure the building, and complete incident documentation.
Reporting - You receive a full report including cause, system behaviour, and recommendations.
Why AFA Alarmed Response Matters More Than Ever
With Fire & Rescue Services reducing attendance to AFAs due to budget constraints, businesses must demonstrate:
Competent investigation procedures
Clear evacuation arrangements
Reliable keyholding and alarm response services
Ability to confirm genuine fire before calling 999
Our services ensure you remain compliant with modern FRS expectations and maintain high standards of life safety.
What Our Key Holding AFA Response Service Covers
Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) activations
Fire panel diagnostics
Zoned fire investigation
Evacuation support
Liaison with Fire & Rescue Services
Resetting systems after false alarms
Securing the premises after the incident closure
This reduces unnecessary FRS callouts, minimises business disruption, and ensures a safer response system.
How Fire & Evacuation Services Enhance Your Fire Safety Compliance
✓ Trained fire wardens and alarm responders
✓ Nationwide 24/7 coverage
✓ Experienced in AFA investigation and emergency evacuation
✓ Supports compliance with FIA and FRS guidance
✓ Reduces false alarm impact and operational downtime
✓ Ideal for multi-site operations, remote facilities, and businesses without on-site 24/7 staff
Key Causes of False Alarms We Help Identify
Cooking fumes
Steam
Aerosol sprays
Dust build-up
Poor system maintenance
Detector faults or ageing infrastructure
Our responders work with your facilities team to reduce repeat false alarms, improve security systems, and enhance customer service outcomes.
FAQs
When is a waking watch service required?
What is the Waking Watch Relief Fund?
What buildings fall under the Building Safety Act?
Do you provide other fire services?
We are able to provide fire cover solutions to meet the needs of your business or premises whilst ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation.
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