Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service are seeking any information relating to a recent spike in false alarm calls in residential blocks.
The fire service has been called to eight separate incidents within a short period where fire alarm call points have been maliciously damaged.
On one occasion firefighters had liquid thrown at their fire engine when they were on scene.
In another incident firefighting equipment within the building had been damaged.
Station manager Chris Emmott, of London Road Fire Station, said: “It is unacceptable that our crews are being tied up with deliberate false calls like this when there could be a genuine emergency somewhere else where people need our help fast.
“We will always respond to alarm calls as there could be an emergency, but in all these cases someone has maliciously called us out.
Chief Inspector Chris Pearson of Nottinghamshire Police said: “Every time a fire crew or fellow emergency responder is called out unnecessarily it means they may be unavailable to attend a potentially life-threatening incident.
“As a force we take all reports of criminal damage seriously. We will investigate and take robust action against those involved in this sort of irresponsible and illegal behaviour.”
If anyone has information please call the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
