Amherst Fire To Charge For False Alarms, Inspections

A proposed ordinance from Amherst Fire Chief Mark Boynton aims to bring in additional revenue, and improve the safety and efficiency during response calls.

The Fire Prevention/Fire Alarm ordinance would have Amherst adopt the state’s fire prevention code, with the addition of fees from the fire department.

The ordinance includes a fee for residents who have false alarms, although Boynton said people will not be charged on the first offense within a 365-day period. The fees would be charged if there is another incident within that time.

The current proposed fee schedule charges $25 to single family homes, with the fine increasing by $25 for each offense. All other types of buildings, including business, would be fined $150, with the fine increasing by $150 with each offense. (Check out the full fee schedule on the right)

The fees can be appealed to the Amherst Fire Chief, which can then be appealed to the state fire marshal.

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Boynton said that the ordinance also includes inspection fees to reduce the financial impact on the taxpayer. The cost for inspection would be transferred to the user, which has been a mostly free service provided by the department.

This would apply to all new construction that requires a permit, including additions to buildings. It also requires all buildings with automatic alarm systems to install a Knox Box.

The Knox Box is a steel lock box that holds all of the keys to the building and allows fire responders to quickly access the building without breaking down doors or waiting to confirm an emergency. Boynton said that his department would be the only one able to access the box.

Prices range from around $159 to over $1,000  depending on the model purchased.

Boynton said that this would save money by reducing possible destruction to property during an emergency call, and the quicker access to buildings would improve would improve safety.

He added that these proposed changes are a common practice of many fire departments in the area.

The Board of Selectman plan to have a public hearing on the ordinance sometime in July. If approved, it would be put into effect immediately.