Hoax calls are not funny - this is where somebody contacts the emergency services and reports an incident, knowing it to be false. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service receive the occasional hoax call but in 2007 the number of hoax calls rose dramatically and continues to be a serious problem in 2008.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have received a whole range of hoax calls in the last 12 months, including calls to small rubbish fires, fires in buildings where people are trapped inside, road traffic collisions and many others. In one week alone we received 6 hoax calls.
Some of these calls have attracted the attendance of one fire appliance with a crew of 4 people, where as the larger reports have resulted in 4 appliances attending (up to 16 firefighters), plus other services such as the police and ambulance. Not only is this a real drain on finances, it is putting members of our community at risk.
Residents are at risk because, whilst we are attending these calls, the availability of other appliances is reduced which will delay a response to a genuine emergency received at the same time. Residents are at risk because emergency vehicles are driving at speed around the roads of Basingstoke, roads where you and your families may be driving, walking or cycling.
And, of course, the lives of the firefighters, police officers and ambulance crews are at risk whilst they are attending these calls.
We are taking this very seriously and are working closely with the police to identify the people responsible, and when they are identified the police are taking action. Our control operators know immediately where a call has come from - if calls are made from mobile phones control operators can, and have, contacted network providers and had these phones cut off. Making hoax calls to the emergency services can also attract heavy fines and even imprisonment.
If you are aware of somebody making hoax calls we would ask that you contact the police and report this on 0845 045 45 45, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Further information can be found at http://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/hoaxcalls
Remember - hoax calls increase the risk to you and your families, and they must stop!