Hunter Considers Repealing and 1990 Law on False Fire Alarm Activations

TANNERSVILLE — In a move to address the evolving needs of its community and foster a more practical approach to public safety, the Town of Hunter is considering repealing and revising Local Law #1 of 1990, which pertained to fining property owners for repeated false fire alarm activations and failing to register and inspect their device. This decision reflects a commitment to balancing the community's safety concerns with a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by property owners and local volunteer fire departments. 

Local Law #1 was enacted in 1990 and aimed to deter the repeated false activation of fire alarms by imposing fines on property owners responsible for such incidents. The law's intent seems solid. More than 30 years have passed since the original passage, and inflation alone has made it apparent that a reevaluation of the law is necessary. The current fine for repeated false alarm activations is $250.

Town Supervisor Sean Mahoney said, "This law was brought to my attention because we still have fire alarms in our town that repeatedly go off that are false alarms, and there was some debate within the fire department itself about whether or not this law still existed."

Mahoney then questioned the operation and enforcement of the law.

Councilperson Ernie Reale noted that every time a fire alarm goes off, it's recorded by Greene County Fire Dispatch. The Town could then request a list from the County that records false alarms.

Mahoney acknowledged numerous false alarms in the hamlets and villages on the mountaintop. 

Mahoney said, "I want to be helpful to our fire companies and give them the ability to deal with this, but I don't know if [Local Law #1 of 1990] is the right answer."

According to the current law, a written response to a false alarm from an automatic fire alarm must be sent to the homeowner by the local fire department chief within seven days of the incident. 

The homeowner must inspect the automatic fire alarm within 14 days of receiving a written notification from the fire department.

One of the primary reasons behind the Town seeking to repeal and revise Local Law #1 of 1990 is the recognition of the challenges faced by local volunteer fire departments. In many instances, false fire alarm activations are not intentional but result from technical malfunctions or other unforeseen issues. The response causes volunteer fire department members to leave work or home to respond. Recognizing these challenges, the Town of Hunter seeks a more balanced and collaborative solution.

The law from 1990 also implements a $100 fine if a homeowner fails to register the automatic fire alarm following installation. The homeowner must also have an inspection conducted every six months on said automatic fire alarm and follow recommendations promptly. 

The proposed repeal and revision of Local Law #1 by the Town of Hunter demonstrates a commitment to adaptability and community collaboration in the pursuit of public safety. By recognizing property owners' challenges and implementing a more holistic approach, the Town aims to foster a shared responsibility for fire alarm activations while promoting education, technical support, and cooperation among all stakeholders. This progressive approach is poised to enhance the overall safety and well-being of the community in the years to come.