Sioux Falls Fire rescue is responding to several prank phone calls of false reports of businesses on fire.

Fire Marshal Dean Lanier says several businesses have received calls where the caller claims to be from Sioux Falls Fire Rescue:

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue does not contact citizens or businesses by phone to initiate building evacuation. Fire alarm companies do not contact businesses and instruct them to initiate a fire alarm. Reporting a false alarm is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a penalty of one year of imprisonment in a county jail or $2,000 fine, or both. Reporting a false alarm that results in a serious injury or death is a Class 5 felony resulting in five years of imprisonment in the state penitentiary. In addition, a fine of $10,000 may be imposed.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to copy the caller identification and phone number of any prank calls and report the details to Metro Dispatch through their non-emergency number at 367-7000.

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