Home Fire Safety quiz highlights fire risks in London homes during festive routines

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

Online checker targets Home Fire Safety risks

London Fire Brigade is asking residents to spend around two minutes completing its online Home Fire Safety Checker to identify risks in their homes.

The Brigade said the free tool is designed as a short online quiz that guides people around their property and highlights potential fire hazards.

Users answer questions about their home and who lives there, and the system then generates a tailored action plan setting out simple fire safety improvements.

The Brigade explained that the process is intended to be quick enough to complete during common daily pauses, such as commercial breaks or while waiting for the kettle to boil.

The organisation is encouraging Londoners to complete the check at the start of December before putting up Christmas decorations that could hide existing hazards.

Residents are also encouraged to repeat the check after decorating to see whether additional items, such as lights and candles, have introduced new risks.

London Fire Brigade stated that the checker enables it to focus resources on those at greatest risk, as identified through the responses.

If a household is assessed as very high risk, firefighters will attend the property within four hours to carry out further checks and provide support.

Residential fire trends and household behaviours

The Brigade reported that in the last four years nearly one third of all incidents attended involved residential properties.

So far in 2025, up to 25 November, firefighters have attended 4,554 residential fires, which is nearly 14 incidents every day.

Since the online checker was launched in July 2023, 31,285 people have used it to assess fire risks in their homes.

London Fire Brigade said 21,757 respondents admitted leaving cooking unattended, reflecting a pattern it has seen in recent incident data.

Since 2022, 34% of residential dwelling fires have been linked to cooking, with smoking and electrical causes also among the most frequent origins.

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection, Pamela Oparaocha, said: “Firefighters have attended nearly 14 residential fires each day this year.

“By completing the HFSC you could identify fire risks in your home and prevent a fire from starting.

“Homes have many hidden fire risks and our online checker allows you to quickly walk around your home and identify any that may have gone unnoticed.

“The action plan is tailored to each individual based on your responses, it offers guidance on simple steps you can take to better protect your home.

“One of the best ways of protecting your home is to ensure you have working smoke alarms and heat alarms.

“With cooking consistently being one of the top three causes of residential fires, fitting a heat alarm in your kitchen could save your life.

“Include the Home Fire Safety Checker on your Christmas ‘to-do’ list, it only takes two minutes – stretch your legs in the commercials and walk round your home.

“Spending two minutes checking you and your loved ones are safe is better than any gift you could give.”

The Brigade’s message links the checker to seasonal routines, highlighting that extra lighting, decorations and candles can increase the risk of overloading sockets or placing ignition sources close to flammable materials.

London Fire Brigade is also reminding people that many fire risks are not immediately obvious and that a structured walk-through can help to identify issues residents may otherwise miss.

Support for vulnerable residents and informal carers

The Home Fire Safety Checker asks targeted questions about the home and its occupants to identify where people may be more vulnerable to fire.

London Fire Brigade said the tool flags immediate risks and highlights where residents might need further support based on their circumstances.

If a user is identified as very high risk, the Brigade will arrange a home visit from firefighters within four hours to provide in-person advice and checks.

The Brigade is asking people to think beyond their own homes and use the checker when visiting elderly or vulnerable family members or neighbours.

It has also highlighted the role of informal carers, noting that between 2023 and 2024 an estimated 5.4 million people across the UK were providing unpaid care to another person.

The organisation is encouraging anyone who provides care to complete the Home Fire Safety Checker during everyday activities such as making a cup of tea to review basic fire safety measures in the property.

London Fire Brigade has stressed that carers can use the tool to identify hazards and follow the tailored action plans on behalf of the person they support.

How online home checks support prevention work

Fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers can use the Home Fire Safety Checker model as an example of how short online tools can channel limited prevention resources towards the homes most at risk.

The approach described by London Fire Brigade links digital self-assessment with rapid follow-up visits, as households assessed as very high risk receive a visit from firefighters within four hours.

Fire safety officers and community prevention teams can draw on the underlying messages about unattended cooking, smoking and electrical hazards when planning local awareness campaigns.

The data outlined by the Brigade, including that nearly a third of fires attended in the last four years were in residential properties and that 34% of recent dwelling fires were cooking related, provides context for focusing on domestic environments and everyday behaviours.

Risk assessors and those involved in designing home fire safety interventions can also note the emphasis on smoke alarms and heat alarms, particularly in kitchens, as a practical measure within the domestic setting described.

Informal carers are identified as a key group in the Brigade’s messaging, with 5.4 million people estimated to be providing unpaid care between 2023 and 2024, which gives additional context for services working at the interface between fire safety and social care.

By embedding the checker in routine activities, such as waiting for the kettle to boil or television advert breaks, the initiative illustrates how home fire safety checks can be built into daily life without requiring lengthy appointments or complex technology.

Why London’s ebike fires could make Black Friday costlier than expected

by Featured NewsSafety

Record ebike fires prompt Black Friday warning

London Fire Brigade has issued a Black Friday warning to shoppers after recording its highest yearly total of e-bike and e-scooter battery fires in London.

The Brigade said firefighters are now attending an average of 18 incidents a month in 2025 where an e-bike or e-scooter battery is the cause.

According to the Brigade, fires involving lithium-ion batteries are fast, produce toxic smoke and can cause extensive damage in a short time.

This year two people have died in fires started by an e-bike in London, taking the total to five since 2023.

The Brigade stated that in all five incidents the person who died did not own the e-bike involved.

London Fire Brigade warned that products bought from online marketplaces can carry a higher fire risk due to weaker controls on batteries, chargers and conversion kits.

By comparison, the Brigade said high street retailers are more likely to sell products with batteries and chargers that comply with UKCA or CE safety standards.

Black Friday focus on ebike fires and unsafe deals

To reach shoppers during one of the busiest retail weeks of the year, the Brigade took its #ChargeSafe campaign into the West End on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

The campaign included an awareness video broadcast on the Piccadilly Lights screen in Piccadilly Circus, which the Brigade described as the largest digital screen in Europe.

Firefighters used the event to speak directly with members of the public, share advice and hand out leaflets on safer charging and purchasing.

London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “We have already tackled a record number of fires this year which have been caused by either an e-bike or e-scooter, we urge Londoners to be careful when purchasing one of these items.

“As we have seen, these fires have devastating consequences – they are fast, explosive, toxic and can be fatal.

“Buying from an online marketplace could significantly increase the risk of fire due to the lack of regulation.

“Without knowing it, you could be purchasing a faulty, damaged or incompatible product and putting yourself, and everyone around you at risk.

“Everyone wants a great Black Friday deal, but please buy e-bikes and e-scooters from reputable retailers where products are more likely to meet UK safety standards.”

The Brigade urged people thinking of buying e-bikes, e-scooters or conversion kits in seasonal sales to prioritise products that meet recognised safety standards.

It warned that short-term savings on unregulated products could lead to property loss, injury or death if a battery fails and starts a fire.

Residents describe impact of home battery fires

London Fire Brigade highlighted several case studies to show the domestic impact of e-bike and e-scooter fires.

One case involved a mother-of-three from Bromley, Jo Frost, whose home of 23 years was destroyed after an e-bike conversion kit bought from a second-hand marketplace failed.

Her 14-year-old son, his friend and the family dog escaped the fire, but the property and its contents were lost.

Jo Frost said: “The e-bike was charging in the front room when it burst into flames, my son and his friend were trapped on the first floor due to the fire spreading up the stairs.

“Thankfully, he had the quick thinking to shut his bedroom door, preventing the fire from spreading to his room.

“In minutes my family lost our home and everything inside due to a fire caused by an e-bike.

“Everything I lost is material, luckily my son Ollie, his friend and the dog are all safe, but we have had to start from scratch.

“I wasn’t aware of the dangers of buying a conversion kit online – or that it wasn’t regulated.

“I hope that hearing my story will warn others of the potential dangers.”

The Brigade said conversion kits can increase fire risk when not installed correctly, particularly if batteries and chargers are bought separately and are incompatible.

It explained that sub-standard or mismatched chargers can lead to overcharging, which raises the chance of a battery going into thermal runaway and igniting.

E-scooter flat fire case shared at campaign event

At the Piccadilly Circus event, London Fire Brigade also shared the experience of London resident Jahmell Campbell, whose first-floor flat was left uninhabitable after an e-scooter fire.

He was at home with his father and grandmother in March when the e-scooter burst into flames.

Campbell said the battery had been charged 45 minutes before the fire and had begun cutting out earlier in the day.

He told the Brigade that he had purchased the device online for £1,200 a year earlier and had not previously experienced problems.

Jahmell said: “It was like a grenade had been thrown into the flat.

“The e-scooter had been charged 45 mins before the fire.

“I bought the device a year ago online for £1200 and never had any trouble.

“The only complication I had was on the day of the fire when the battery kept cutting out.

“I jumped out of the front first floor flat window to escape.

“My dad and my grandma escaped via the back of the property.

“I would never get another e-scooter. No chance!

“I am not sure how we all made it out of the house alive.

“My dad had bad nightmares after the incident.

“I hope London Fire Brigade’s Piccadilly Lights event raises much more awareness.”

The Brigade said the incident showed how quickly an internal wall structure can fail under intense heat from a battery fire.

According to the Brigade, the flat was completely destroyed, leaving the household displaced.

Campaign partnerships and regulatory changes on e-bike safety

London Fire Brigade said the #ChargeSafe campaign was launched in April 2023 after the death of Sofia Duarte, the first Londoner to die in an e-bike fire.

The Brigade reported that incidents have continued to rise since the campaign launch, with this year recording the highest number of e-bike and e-scooter fires to date.

To reach people at the point of purchase, London Fire Brigade has partnered with Amazon so that #ChargeSafe safety advice can be shared with customers when they buy relevant products.

The Brigade has also worked with Trading Standards and delivery company Deliveroo to extend messaging to people who use e-bikes and e-scooters for work.

London Fire Brigade said it supported the Government during development of the Product Regulation and Meteorology Act, which passed earlier in 2025.

Once implemented, the Act is expected to regulate the sale of poor-quality e-bikes, e-scooters, batteries and chargers through tighter product rules.

Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, said: “E-bikes are top of the wish list for many people shopping in the sales, in the run up to Christmas, but buying online can come with risks.

“In London we’ve seen a record number of e-bike and e-scooter fires this year – with most taking place in people’s homes.

“I urge Londoners to think twice about buying an e-bike or conversion kit from online marketplaces and encourage them to shop with reputable retailers – if it seems too good to be true it probably is and could be extremely dangerous.

“The Mayor and I will continue to support the work of the London Fire Brigade and partners to improve e-bike safety, strengthen regulation and raise awareness of the dangers, as we build a safer London for everyone.”

London Fire Brigade said it will continue to use community events and partnerships to share practical charging and storage advice and to press for tighter controls on unsafe products.

How rising ebike fires affect safety practice

Rising e-bike and e-scooter fire numbers in London provide operational data for fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers when planning prevention campaigns, incident response and resource allocation for high-density housing.

The concentration of incidents in homes gives fire safety officers, risk assessors and building services engineers further evidence for reviewing guidance on charging locations, escape routes and domestic fire detection.

The focus on online marketplaces and unregulated conversion kits is relevant to government departments, standards and certification bodies and Trading Standards teams that oversee the Product Regulation and Meteorology Act and related enforcement activity.

Partnerships with retailers and delivery platforms show emergency and disaster response managers and training officers how targeted advice at the point of sale and in high-use sectors can support behaviour change.

The experiences shared by affected residents may inform training content for firefighters and community safety teams by illustrating real-world fire development, smoke spread and escape challenges in battery-related incidents.

Fire in West London warehouse declared a major incident

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking News

Image: London Fire Brigade

A fire in a warehouse in West London has been declared a major incident after it was reported that fireworks and gas cylinders were inside the building.

About three quarters of the structure is alight, according to London Fire Brigade (LFB) which was called to the two-storey building in Middlesex Business Park on Bridge Road, Southall, at about 08:55am GMT.

According to the Brigade, 25 fire engines and around 150 crew members were sent to the scene, including firefighters from Southall, Heston and Ealing.

Assistant Commissioner, London Fire Brigade, Pat Goulbourne’s statement on London warehouse fire

Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said all firefighters had withdrawn and were now fighting the fire from a greater distance to ensure crew safety.

He added: “Firefighters are working hard to bring this fire safely under control.

“The incident involves a mixed retail and warehouse space, with a significant part of the structure currently alight.

“Around three-quarters of the structure is currently alight. Three of the Brigade turntable ladders have been deployed to scene, allowing crews to fight the fire from height.”

Three nearby schools and residential block have been evacuated as a precaution and traffic in the area is expected to be affected.

The service said residents in the area were advised to keep doors and windows closed “due to the large amount of smoke being produced by the incident”.

Traffic in the area would “also be impacted,” the LFB added, also saying first reports of the fire were received at 8.55am.

A scaled up operation

The London Fire Brigade scaled up its operation after originally deploying 70 firefighters, describing it as a “protracted incident”, adding crews would be “carrying out firefighting operations throughout the day”.

As of 17:00pm GMT, the cause of the fire is unknown.

The London Ambulance Service added how there have been no injuries as a result of the incident.

The Brigade posted an update to X, stating: “Due to the large amount of smoke being produced by the fire, residents in the local area should keep doors and windows closed as crews respond.”

The Brigade’s control officers have taken some 60 calls regarding the fire.

NFCC demands action over lithium-ion batteries as use outpaces safety standards

by Featured NewsSafety

Lithium-ion batteries driving new UK fire risks

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has warned that rising use of lithium-ion batteries in UK homes is outpacing current product safety standards and called for urgent government action to address the resulting fire risks.

In a statement issued on Wednesday 19 November 2025, NFCC said lithium-ion battery fires can be explosive, spread quickly and produce toxic gases with a high risk of reignition.

The organisation warned that these incidents place the public, firefighters, property and the wider environment at increased risk.

NFCC has published new recommendations aimed at strengthening safety across lithium-ion-battery-powered consumer products and related energy technologies.

The council wants ministers to use existing and new regulatory powers to tighten product safety rules, including for items sold online.

It is also calling for better systems to dispose of batteries safely and new investment in research to help fire and rescue services manage these incidents.

NFCC said a coordinated national public information campaign is needed so that people understand how misuse, unsafe charging and product modification can raise the likelihood of lithium-ion battery fires.

Data on growing e-bike and e-scooter fire risks

NFCC reported that lithium-ion batteries are now embedded in a wide range of everyday products, including electric toothbrushes, tools, toys, mobile phones, tablets, laptops and vapes.

They also power personal light electric vehicles (PLEVs) such as e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as electric vehicles (EVs).

While NFCC described these technologies as important for a low-carbon future, it stressed that fires involving lithium-ion batteries are complex, produce toxic and potentially explosive vapours and carry a serious risk of reignition.

According to Prevention of Future Death reports cited by NFCC, at least six fatalities since 2023 have been linked to e-bike and e-scooter fires.

Between January 2021 and September 2023, a search of free-text entries in the Government’s Incident Recording System found 139 fire records that mentioned e-bikes and 124 that referred to e-scooters.

The Government has acknowledged that this dataset may be incomplete, and NFCC believes the true number of lithium-ion battery incidents is higher.

London Fire Brigade attended 179 fires involving e-bikes or e-scooters in 2023 and in 2024 the Office for Product Safety and Standards received reports of 211 such fires, close to half of which occurred indoors.

NFCC noted that reporting to the Office for Product Safety and Standards is voluntary, so these figures are likely to be an underestimate.

Product Safety and Metrology Act powers welcomed

NFCC has linked its lithium-ion battery concerns to the new Product Safety and Metrology Act 2025, which has recently received Royal Assent.

The act gives Government powers to introduce enforceable safety rules for products such as e-bikes and e-scooters, including items sold through online marketplaces.

NFCC said these powers could be used to reduce the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries if they are implemented promptly and effectively.

The council welcomed the legislation but said urgent work is still needed to close existing safety gaps and ensure the powers are used to protect people and firefighters.

NFCC is also asking policymakers to recognise wider fire safety issues linked to emerging energy technologies beyond lithium-ion batteries, covering the full range of new storage and charging systems.

It argued that regulatory frameworks need to be flexible and able to adapt at pace as energy technology changes.

NFCC recommendations on Lithium-ion batteries and wider energy risks

In its Fire Risks in Energy Technologies Position Statements, NFCC set out a series of actions it wants Government and regulators to take.

It called for mandatory product safety rules and third-party testing for personal light electric vehicles.

NFCC also wants online marketplaces to be regulated so that all lithium-ion battery products sold in the UK must meet designated safety standards.

The council recommended a safe, accessible disposal regime for lithium-ion batteries, including damaged units, to reduce the chance of unsafe storage or handling.

It urged updates to Building Regulations guidance so that the fire risks from storing and charging energy technologies in homes and public places are fully addressed.

NFCC said fire and rescue service advice should be considered and responded to when services are consulted on fire safety risks, including comments under the Fire Safety Order during Building Regulations processes.

The council has asked for national public awareness campaigns on the safe use and disposal of lithium-ion-battery-powered products and for ongoing research funding to improve firefighting tactics and training for energy technology incidents.

It also called for better coordination across Government and regular consultation with fire safety specialists to aid long-term risk planning.

NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said the growing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in homes is reshaping the work of fire and rescue services and requires stronger protections from Government and industry.

Phil Garrigan, National Fire Chiefs Council Chair, said: “Lithium-ion batteries are now everywhere in our homes – powering the phones in our pockets, the laptops on our desks, e-scooters, and cordless appliances we use every day.

“But these technologies must not come at the cost of public and firefighter safety.

“The fire risks linked to these familiar products are evolving far faster than the safety standards designed to protect us.

“When things go wrong with lithium-ion batteries the consequences can be devastating, and tragically, lives have already been lost.

“Fire and rescue services are the first line of defence when these batteries fail, facing fires that are incredibly complex and dangerous to tackle.

“They need stronger protection, clear standards, and better tools from government and industry to continue safeguarding people and property as these batteries become ever more common in our homes.”

How NFCC’s lithium-ion battery position could shape practice

NFCC’s call for mandatory product safety rules and third-party testing for personal light electric vehicles could influence how fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers assess risk from e-bikes and e-scooters in their areas.

The focus on regulating online marketplaces and requiring designated safety standards for lithium-ion battery products is directly relevant for standards and certification bodies that advise on conformity and enforcement.

Requests for updated Building Regulations guidance on storing and charging energy technologies in homes and public places could affect building services engineers and facility managers who specify locations for charging points and storage areas.

The emphasis on safe, accessible disposal routes for damaged or end-of-life batteries could change procedures for risk assessors, fire-protection contractors and electrical contractors who frequently manage equipment removal and waste streams.

NFCC’s call for investment in research on firefighting tactics and training for energy technology incidents could shape future work by training officers and instructors as operational guidance for lithium-ion battery fires develops.

London e-bike fire rescue highlights risks of hallway storage and charging

by Featured NewsIncidents

Inside the ladder rescue at Norbury’s late-night e-bike fire

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said a new firefighter helped rescue a family during an e-bike fire in Norbury, south London, in late October.

The fire started in a ground floor communal hallway on London Road and left people trapped in second-floor flats, according to LFB.

Firefighters from Norbury Fire Station arrived two minutes after the first 999 call and prepared for a ladder rescue, LFB said.

Firefighter Zekel Johnson, on his fourth day after completing training, was among the second crew on scene.

Johnson climbed a 13.5 metre ladder and helped three children from a second-floor window, LFB confirmed.

Four adults were also assisted down by ladder, and two further adults escaped via a rear window, LFB said.

LFB said nine people were assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation and did not require hospital treatment.

First-hand accounts from the scene

Firefighter Zekel Johnson said: “When I arrived, a ladder had just been pitched by Norbury’s crew.

“It also allows us to coordinate better with neighbouring services.

“The officer in charge said someone needed to go up the ladder immediately and I did not hesitate.”

Naveen Narayanasankar, a resident, said: “I had just finished work and returned home and was eating dinner in the kitchen when suddenly we heard a blast from downstairs.

“I opened the door and there was a lot of smoke already.

“The people downstairs were telling us there was a fire.

“Everyone in the flat woke up but there was so much smoke, we couldn’t see or breathe properly.

“We called the fire brigade and went to the window for help where firefighters helped rescue us.”

Johnson later entered the property in breathing apparatus to assist with extinguishing, LFB said.

Cause identified and safety advice

Following an investigation, LFB said the most probable cause was the catastrophic failure of a lithium-ion battery pack for a manufactured e-bike.

LFB said the e-bike had been stored in the hallway and the battery pack had reportedly been charging shortly before the fire.

Assistant Commissioner for Fire Stations, Andy Pennick, said: “Because the e-bike was being stored in the hallway, it compromised the occupants’ ability to escape the building when the fire broke out.

“It is vital that e-bikes and e-scooters are stored appropriately, so that in the event of a fire, the risk of harm to those inside can be significantly reduced because their escape route is not blocked.”

LFB recommends storing e-bikes and e-scooters outside, or in a shed or outbuilding, and if stored indoors, in a room where a door can be shut.

LFB said lithium-ion battery fires can be ferocious and produce a flammable, explosive and toxic vapour cloud.

LFB warned against mismatched or counterfeit chargers or batteries and advised against leaving devices charging unattended.

LFB added that smoke alarms should be fitted in areas where devices are charged and that conversions should be carried out by a professional.

Training, performance and record incident numbers

Assistant Commissioner Pennick said: “The exceptional actions of our crews at this incident ensured swift rescues and limited fire spread.

“It is rare for a firefighter to attend an incident of this significance so quickly into their career and I’d like to commend Firefighter Johnson for his assured and calm response to rescue this family.

“Our rigorous and improved training programme ensures that newly-qualified firefighters are best-prepared to respond to real emergencies as soon as they start at their station.”

LFB reported that London recorded 181 e-bike and e-scooter fires by the end of October 2025.

LFB said this is already the highest total for a single year.

LFB said four people have died in these fires since 2023 and more than 100 people have been injured.

Incident timeline and response details

LFB said the Brigade was called at 23:48 on Tuesday 28 October to a mixed-use property on London Road, Norbury.

LFB said seven people were rescued from a second-floor window by a 13.5 metre ladder.

Two people escaped via a rear window, LFB added.

Part of the ground floor was damaged by fire and the incident was under control by 00:43, according to LFB.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Norbury, West Norwood, Tooting and Croydon attended, LFB said.

Practical takeaways for operational leads and managers

The fire started in a communal hallway where an e-bike was stored and had reportedly been charging, which restricted escape routes for occupants.

LFB advises storing e-bikes and e-scooters outside or in an internal room that can be closed to contain a fire.

LFB instructs users to employ the correct, compatible charger and to avoid mismatched or counterfeit power components.

LFB recommends not charging unattended and unplugging chargers when the cycle is complete.

LFB says lithium-ion battery failures can produce an explosive and toxic vapour cloud, and crews reported unusually intense heat at this incident.

LFB advises installing smoke alarms in charging areas and checking for battery or charger faults such as heat or deformation.

London has recorded 181 e-bike and e-scooter fires by the end of October 2025, with four fatalities since 2023 and more than 100 injuries, according to LFB.

London Fire Brigade celebrate staff for Black History Month

by Breaking NewsEvents

London Fire Brigade has celebrated the contributions of its staff during Black History Month.

The Brigade are shining a spotlight on individuals whose leadership and advocacy continue to drive positive change across the organisation.

As part of this year’s celebrations, five staff members were nominated for the “Unsung Hero Award” sponsored by the Greater London Authority (GLA) Staff Networks, LFB Fairness and the Black and Ethnic Minority Members (B&EMM) network, recognising their outstanding impact on inclusion, community and leadership.

Station Commander Craig Abbott

Among the recipients was Station Commander Craig Abbott, who was recognised for his longstanding leadership.

A driving force within both the B&EMM and Fairness Networks, Craig has promoted education, accountability and cultural understanding across the Brigade.

He has guided colleagues through workplace challenges, supported women in the service, and led workshops with senior leaders to ensure meaningful change.

Station Commander Abbott said: “With nearly three decades in the Brigade, I’ve gained valuable experience that I now use to support and guide others so that they too can fulfil their full potential.  

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award and to be recognised alongside such an inspiring group of colleagues.”

Firefighter Ken Agu

Firefighter Ken Agu, whose journey into the fire service began long before joining the Brigade, was also recognised.

Ken built a strong social media presence to connect with serving firefighters and seek guidance on pursuing his career.

Since joining the Brigade, he has become a passionate advocate for the fire service and a representative of Black firefighters in London.

Through his online platform, Ken shares insights on recruitment, fire safety and station life, reaching thousands and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

He has forged meaningful connections across the UK and internationally, working to bridge the gap between the service and Black and ethnic minority communities.

Sub Officer Jason Deacon and Firefighter Tunrayo Deacon

Sub Officer Jason Deacon and Firefighter Tunrayo Deacon were also celebrated for their commitment to supporting Black and minority ethnic colleagues.

Through employee networks, awareness campaigns and one-to-one mentorship, they have championed diversity, inclusion and equality in the workplace.

Clare Adams Crawford was also recognised for her continuous contributions to the Fairness Network and numerous Black History Month events.

For over two decades, Clare has volunteered with the LFB Welfare Fund, helping organise events and providing administrative support.

As a qualified fitness professional, she has also led lunchtime fitness classes for more than 25 years, supporting colleagues’ health and wellbeing.

“In Conversation” event

As part of the celebrations, the Brigade’s Fairness and B&EMM Networks hosted an inspiring “In Conversation” event.

Commissioner Jonathan Smith was joined by the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, Jules Pipe, as well as Deputy Assistant Commissioners Patrick Goulbourne KFSM and Pam Oparaocha, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin McKenzie, Professional Head of Performance Improvement and Business Intelligence Senita Robinson and Head of Belonging, Inclusion and Wellbeing Nadia Bob-Thomas for an open discussion on leadership and lived experience.

The conversation explored lessons from the past and how today’s leaders are building a more inclusive and representative fire service.

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pam Oparaocha

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pam Oparaocha became the Brigade’s first Black female Assistant Commissioner when she took up the post earlier this year.

Assistant Commissioner Pam Oparaocha said: “Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black people across our communities and within the Brigade.

“It’s also a moment to reflect honestly on the challenges that remain and to commit to meaningful change. I’m proud of who I am and the journey that brought me here.

“When I joined LFB, my ambition was to drive a fire engine, so standing here now as an Assistant Commissioner is surreal and deeply humbling.

“The stories of Clare, Craig, Jason, Ken and Tunrayo reflect the best of London Fire Brigade. Their dedication reminds us that by honouring the past, we can continue to inspire a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, Jules Pipe’s statement

Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, Jules Pipe, said: “Black History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate the significant role London’s Black communities have played in the success of our capital.

“It’s great that London Fire Brigade staff have been recognised for their exceptional contributions in leadership, advocacy and inclusion at the GLA’s Unsung Heroes Awards.

“This is a wonderful initiative that pays tribute to staff for their work beyond their day-to-day roles, recognising their ability to uplift and inspire those around them.”

London Fire Brigade celebrate staff for Black History Month: Summary

The Brigade are shining a spotlight on individuals whose leadership and advocacy continue to drive positive change across the organisation.

London Fire Brigade plan to refurbish its headquarters

by Breaking NewsProjects

London Fire Brigade has revealed it has submitted a planning application for the refurbishment of its site at 8 Albert Embankment.

The application also includes plans to modernise Lambeth Fire Station, which forms part of the building.

8 Albert Embankment site

The building at 8 Albert Embankment was constructed by the Brigade in the 1930’s as a combined fire station and office block.

The fire station occupies the ground and first floors of the building, with six floors of office space above.

The office space was used as the Brigade’s headquarters until 2008 when it was relocated to Southwark.

It is currently vacant and the plans will make use of the Brigade’s own estate, rather than continue leasing commercial property.

The proposed plans will see the building’s vacant office space refurbished and brought back into service.

These offices will become home to the essential support services that make up the Brigade’s headquarters function.

Renovating Lambeth Fire Station

Alongside the renovated office space, work will be carried out to upgrade and refit Lambeth Fire Station.

This will include new equipment stores and workspaces, as well as remodeled accommodation for firefighters.

As a Grade II listed structure, extra care will be taken to preserve key historic elements found in the building’s original design.

The training space in the yard and drill tower will also receive investment and the appliance bays will be adapted to accommodate specialist vehicles if required.

As a part of the proposals, a new space will be created, centred around the Brigade’s existing Memorial Hall, where the sacrifice of fallen London firefighters is remembered.

This space will allow the Brigade’s historic collection to be displayed, which will be used for educational purposes and community outreach.

There will also be a community room for local residents and groups to use.

To ensure the views and needs of nearby residents and the local community were considered, the Brigade conducted a series of consultations with the local community prior to submitting this planning application, which follows a thorough options appraisal.

Fire Commissioner, London, Jonathan Smith’s statement

London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “Moving our headquarters back to its historic location in Lambeth is not just the right decision for the Brigade, but also for London and Londoners.

“By refurbishing and modernising an existing building we will be offering the best value for Londoners and maintaining an important presence on the Thames and in the heart of London.

“These plans will deliver an upgraded fire station to serve the people of Lambeth as well as some of London’s most celebrated locations.”