r/Firefighting • u/PhilosopherFull819 • May 29 '25

Ask A Firefighter Firefighter told me I shouldn't have called.

The smoke detector was going off from the car port underneath the garage apartments behind the 4plex I live in. I walked outside and saw no smoke or fire and found the detector. I mulled over reaching up and disabling it myself but I opted to err on the side of caution and report it. A truck pulled up minutes later and I showed the guys what I saw. The tallest one reached up and pulled it off and took out the battery. Another one got angry and said that I should "grow up" and "feel embarrassed" for calling. To which I replied I didn't want to turn off the alarm without confirming there was no danger that I couldn't see myself and thanked them and told them to have a nice day and they left. I imaging he was stressed and tired but can't help feeling like I did something wrong.

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u/JaySizzle1989 May 29 '25

As a tenant, it is not your responsibility to repair or install detectors. Alternatively, if you see no smoke or fire and the chirps indicate a malfunctioning detector you can contact your super. In my jurisdiction, depending on the occupancy type, an order for repair would be issued to the building. Strictly disabling a detector over a carport without any follow up would not be a best practice. You did the right thing. This is a regular run for us.

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u/ImpactHorror3293 May 29 '25

If we disable a system or even a single station, we'll either temporarily zip tie a new 10 year combo detector to the bad head/unit, or permanently install one in replace of an old one with a bad battery or if the unit is defective. If it's an apartment, the super or the owner gets a call from our FM or code official the next day. It's not horribly difficult, definitely a little bit of a PITA but it could save a life and our conscience later on.

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u/JaySizzle1989 May 29 '25

Nailed it. We try to get away from permanent replacements except in private dwellings, as most rentals are owned by multinational corporations. But leaving a temporary detector is a must. Love the zip tie trick. Going to throw some on the rig next shift.