As the Riverland continues to grapple with the flood crisis, the State Government has announced that fees for false fire alarm activations will be waived for flood affected communities until March.
This comes as the Metropolitan Fire Service and Country Fire Service continue to support and protect river communities.
Businesses with an activated alarm call-out service are usually charged $471 by the MFS and $645 by the CFS for false alarm activations under the Fire and Emergency Services Act.
Between December 2021 to January 2022, River community businesses paid more than $8000 for false fire alarm activations by the CFS and $5000 by the MFS.
With increased water flows entering some businesses and setting off fire alarms, the cost savings businesses will experience from waiving call out fees for false alarms will assist with recovery. Suspending alarm fees recognises the economic impact of the event on local businesses, in an additional to nearly $200 million of other economic support.
Minister for Emergency Services Joe Szakacs says that the waiving of fees demonstrates compassion for affected communities.
“All emergency services staff and volunteers involved in this undertaking in river communities have been united, resourceful and courageous through this event. I extend my gratitude to both the MFS and CFS for taking the initiative to waive these fees that will reduce the financial impact of the floods on businesses and other premises.”
MFS Chief Officer Michael Morgan says that the community is at the forefront of everything the MFS does.
“I’m proud that the MFS is able to waive false alarm activation fees to help reduce further financial stress to businesses who are affected by the rising flood levels and assist the community in getting back on its feet.”
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