Repeated false fire alarms in Olive could now cost property owners up to $500 under a new law aimed at reducing unnecessary emergency responses.
On March 11, the Town Board approved Local Law #1 of 2025, which imposes fines on alarm users after multiple false alarms within a 12-month period. The law is designed to prevent the misuse of fire department resources and ensure emergency personnel are available for actual emergencies.
The first two false alarms in a 12-month period will not result in a fine, but property owners will receive a warning after the second incident. A third false alarm within that timeframe carries a $250 fine, and each subsequent false alarm costs $500. The Town of Olive Code Enforcement Department is responsible for tracking violations and issuing fines. Property owners will be notified by certified mail, and unpaid fines may be added to tax bills or pursued in court.
The law defines a false alarm as any signal that prompts a fire department response when no actual fire or emergency condition exists. Incidents caused by power outages, natural disasters, or factors beyond the owner’s control will not be penalized. Fire departments that respond to false alarms will submit reports to the Town Code Enforcement Department, which will then determine violations. Fines collected under the law will be remitted to the Olive Fire Department that responded to the call.
The Town Board also approved a new leash-on policy requiring dogs to be kept on a leash in all public parks. The measure aims to prevent conflicts between pets and ensure owners clean up after their animals. Officials said the policy was introduced in response to complaints about unleashed dogs and waste left in recreational areas.
Beginning in April, the town will conduct a flood risk analysis in partnership with the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program, which is funding the study. The project will expand upon previous assessments in Boiceville and parts of West Shokan, now adding other sections of West Shokan and Shokan for the first time.
The study will evaluate stormwater risks caused by mountain runoff and residential development, identifying flood-prone areas. An engineering firm will be hired to conduct a Local Flood Analysis (LFA), which will assess flood hazards, recommend remediation methods, and outline funding opportunities. The firm is contracted for the analysis only and will not be hired by the town afterward.
The Town Board announced that applications are now open for lifeguard and camp counselor positions for the upcoming summer season. Interested applicants can apply through the town’s website or at Town Hall.
A previous version misstated how false alarm fines are enforced.
Olivia Sippel is a contributing reporter. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.