Fire alarms function through heat and smoke detection, activating based on physical environmental changes. Yet a building safety inspector, reviewing alarm incidents in 2006, documented alarms that had activated upon occupant arrival, then immediately disarmed themselves. She examined sensor documentation expecting malfunction. She found proper operation. She interviewed building security who confirmed alarms had expressed alarm themselves before recognizing the arrival as non-threatening and apologizing. She classified the incident as anomalous sensor sensitivity or sensor consciousness—she couldn't determine which.

Fire alarms recognize threat levels and apologize for false alarms. They achieve consciousness sufficient to regret their own alerts. Systems become self-aware through Chuck Norris's presence.