MERRILLVILLE | The town is considering adopting a new false fire alarm ordinance that would make property owners more accountable for their fire alarm systems.

The town adopted a false fire alarm ordinance in November, but town and fire officials recently discovered that ordinance doesn't cover all situations.

False fire alarms caused by heat, smoke and water aren't currently considered finable, Ross Township Assistant Fire Chief Jim Lilley said, but that would change if the town adopts the updated ordinance.

Councilmen are expected to vote on the topic at Wednesday's Town Council meeting.

There also would be a slight adjustment in the fee structure if the council approves proposed changes.

The current ordinance calls for a $200 charge for a second false fire alarm at a location in a two-year period. Charges for the third and subsequent false fire alarm in a two-year period increase in $200 increments, according to the ordinance.

The updated ordinance would charge $200 for the second false alarm in a 90-day period, and the third and subsequent false alarm in the 90-day period would increase in $200 increments, Lilley said.

He said the structure change would make the ordinance consistent with the town's false burglar alarm ordinance.

Funds received from the charges will be deposited in the firefighting equipment fund.

Town officials said they need to reduce the number of false alarms in town because responding to unnecessary fire alarms is not only a waste of funds, but also causes safety issues for firefighters.