Wednesday October, 29 2025

Nature: Multiple Incident Responses - Automatic Fire Alarms - Residential (Single) - Smoke detector 

• 11:25 a.

  • Address: 31123 Riverwood Rd Stonewater Creek, DE 19966

  • Cross Streets: Seabrook Dr/Shore Ct

• 17:25 p.

  • Address: 31744 Bridge Dr., River Village, DE 19966

  • Cross Streets: Merchantman Dr/Barkantine Dr

On Wednesday, October 29^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company responded to two automatic fire alarm sounding incidents within its fire district that were non-emergency, false and/or nuisance alarms.

• Riverwood Road – Stonewater Creek incident was a culinary mishap with proper passcode and wishing to cancel after apparatus was enroute.  Tower 80 was authorized to return to its respective quarters.   

• Bridge Drive – River Village incident was classified as a faulty detector.  Emergency units (Tanker 80 and Engine 80) did arrive at the actual location, completed an exterior evaluation and commenced with an interior evaluation before returning to the quarters.

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company faces significant operational, financial, and safety challenges due to reoccurring automatic fire alarm activations that are false and considered nuisance alarms. These alarms occur when systems are triggered by non-hazardous conditions, mechanical failures, maintenance issues, or environmental factors (e.g., culinary issues, steam, dust, humidity, or electrical surges).

Core Issues:

1. High Frequency of Nuisance Alarms

• Nearly half of all fire department responses could be non-emergency alarms if adequate information from the property owner’s were properly provided.

2. Operational Risks

• Volunteers may have to respond with minimal personnel or equipment, endangering themselves on genuine incidents.

• Delays in response, overlooked PPE, and incomplete apparatus readiness can result because alarms are frequently false.

3. Financial and Resource Burden

• Repeated false alarms consume time, increase wear on equipment, and should result in financial assessments and could require the need for permanent staffing.