London Fire Brigade launches Young Voices project to engage staff

by Featured NewsTraining

Young Voices project aims to engage younger staff

According to the London Fire Brigade, a new project is enabling younger employees to contribute ideas and feedback about working in the organisation.

The initiative, called Young Voices, has been launched in partnership with Entrepreneurs in Action.

The Brigade said it is aimed at staff aged 18 to 27.

It explained that discussion forums and workshops are being used to collect feedback on employment experiences and ideas for improving career development.

It added that participants presented their proposals to London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith and other senior leaders.

Commissioner supports engagement with younger colleagues

London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “London Fire Brigade is a great organisation that our employees are proud to work for, but it’s vital that young colleagues feel heard and valued.

“The insights that our Young Voices provided have been unique and creative. Engaging with them has proven to me that the future of the Brigade is in safe hands and their work will help us to create positive career experiences for everyone at London Fire Brigade.

“If you are starting your career, London Fire Brigade offers qualifications and development, a sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute to the safety of Londoners.”

Entrepreneurs in Action partnership

Entrepreneurs in Action chief executive Derek Browne said: “Traditional employee engagement surveys capture opinions, but our ‘ICAN’ methodology enables young employees to develop practical solutions and recommendations that senior leaders can implement.

“Commissioner Smith’s commitment to being the first to implement our commercial methodology across a major UK emergency service demonstrates genuine sector leadership.

“This proves you can unlock Gen Z problem-solving in even the most traditional environments.”

Apprenticeship programmes

The Brigade said Young Voices is part of its wider work to make the fire service an attractive career for young people.

It reported that its Firefighter Apprenticeship programme has been expanded to include a Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship and a Level 3 Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship.

It confirmed it was ranked 62nd in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and was the only fire and rescue service included in the list.

It added that more than 240 firefighters completed the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship last year.

Other qualifications and development

The Brigade stated that it also supports sponsored fire engineering degrees.

It said these are offered alongside professional development courses and memberships to professional bodies.

It noted that its Leadership Academy delivers 10 leadership development programmes.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This project reflects an organisational approach to workforce development that prioritises employee engagement and structured career pathways.

For fire and rescue services, the model shows how structured feedback from younger staff can inform policy and operational culture.

Apprenticeships and professional qualifications outlined in the initiative demonstrate how emergency services can combine recruitment strategies with long-term retention planning.

London Fire Brigade launches Young Voices project to engage staff: Summary

The London Fire Brigade has launched the Young Voices project in partnership with Entrepreneurs in Action.

The initiative involves staff aged 18 to 27 in discussions about employment experiences and career development.

Participants present proposals to senior leaders, including the London Fire Commissioner.

The Brigade said the project is part of its strategy to make the service attractive to younger recruits.

It has expanded its apprenticeship offer to include new qualifications.

The Brigade was the only fire service in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

More than 240 firefighters completed the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship last year.

Other opportunities include sponsored degrees and leadership development programmes.

Locked doors, cat flaps and chlorine leaks: the rescues London firefighters respond to daily

by Featured NewsSearch and Rescue

Firefighters in London rescue six people every day

New figures from London Fire Brigade have revealed that London firefighters rescued 3,627 people between January 2024 and June 2025.

According to the Brigade, this amounts to an average of more than six rescues every day across the capital.

The data includes rescues from 43 different incident types, including fires, water emergencies, chemical incidents and lift entrapments.

The most common rescue was where a person had collapsed behind a locked door, accounting for 1,754 cases.

The Brigade said that its firefighters are trained to adapt to varied emergencies and respond with specialist equipment.

Range of incidents includes fires, chemicals and mud

According to London Fire Brigade, 318 people were rescued from fires over the past 18 months.

The largest fire-related rescue occurred in Upper Norwood, where 10 people were rescued from a flat fire.

Firefighters also carried out 463 lift rescues, 229 rescues from locked-in situations, and 389 rescues described as other special service incidents.

These ‘special service’ calls are where there is no fire involved but firefighters deploy equipment to free someone from a dangerous or trapped situation.

Incidents included rescuing a person trapped in a cat flap, freeing window cleaners stuck in a cradle at height, and helping a child with their head stuck in playground equipment.

In Charlton in April 2024, firefighters rescued a man trapped in a trench on a construction site.

Specialist teams assist with water and chemical rescues

London Fire Brigade said it regularly responds to water and chemical emergencies.

It reported 68 rescues from water and mud incidents, often involving coordination with the Brigade’s Fire Rescue Unit and fireboats.

In March 2024, two children were rescued from the River Colne in West Drayton.

Rescues from chemical incidents occurred every other week on average, with 58 total since January 2024.

In August 2024, the Brigade carried out rescues at a swimming pool in Wembley following a chlorine leak.

These rescues often involve collaboration with hazardous material (HAZMAT) teams to deal with risks such as gas leaks and chemical exposure.

Callers urged not to delay due to embarrassment

London Fire Brigade is asking members of the public not to hesitate when calling 999 in an emergency.

Group Commander Shaun Coltress said: “When people think about rescues, they often imagine a firefighter carrying someone out of a burning building. But, as London’s rescue service, we are trained to carry out rescues in a variety of different ways.

“Our fire engines carry dozens of pieces of equipment, and firefighters are trained to adapt their skills to unique scenarios.”

Coltress added: “Sadly, our Control Officers sometimes receive calls where someone has been too embarrassed to call us and their situation has deteriorated for hours, or even days, before they have sought help.

“Whatever the emergency, we will provide advice and assistance without judgment. Most of our rescues are completed in less than an hour, so it’s much better to ask for help than to wait and risk further harm to yourself or others.”

Time taken for rescues varies by incident type

According to London Fire Brigade, rescue times differ depending on the incident.

The shortest incidents last 20–30 minutes and typically include lift entrapments or small animal rescues.

The longest rescues, such as those involving collapsed buildings or flooding, can take between two and three hours.

The average duration of a rescue incident was reported as 43 minutes.

The Brigade said it works to carry out rescues quickly while maintaining safety for both firefighters and the public.

London firefighters rescue 3,627 people across 43 incident types: Summary

London Fire Brigade reported that firefighters rescued 3,627 people between January 2024 and June 2025.

This equates to more than six people rescued per day.

318 people were rescued from fires, with the largest single rescue involving 10 people in Upper Norwood.

1,754 people were rescued after collapsing behind locked doors.

Firefighters responded to 43 different types of rescue incidents across the period.

Lift rescues accounted for 463 of the total incidents.

389 rescues were classified as special service incidents.

229 people were rescued from locked-in scenarios.

68 people were rescued from water and mud incidents.

58 rescues were made during chemical-related emergencies.

London Fire Brigade urged people not to delay calling 999 out of embarrassment.

The average duration of a rescue was 43 minutes.

London Fire Brigade appoints Spencer Sutcliff and Mat Walker as Deputy Commissioners

by Featured NewsPeople

LFB leadership expands with new appointments

London Fire Brigade has announced that Spencer Sutcliff and Mat Walker have been appointed as its new Deputy Commissioners.

According to a statement from London Fire Brigade published on 6 August, the appointments follow the departure of Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley and the earlier appointment of Jonathan Smith as Commissioner.

The organisation confirmed that Sutcliff and Walker will assume responsibility for operational portfolios covering prevention, protection, preparedness and response.

Sutcliff will take up the post from 5 August, while Walker will begin his new role on 1 October.

Sutcliff to lead prevention, protection and policy

Spencer Sutcliff has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Prevention, Protection & Policy.

London Fire Brigade stated that Sutcliff has been with the service for 27 years and has served as Assistant Commissioner since October 2022, overseeing the Fire Stations and Central Operations function.

In his most recent role, Sutcliff was responsible for 103 fire stations across London.

The brigade said he led performance improvements during that time and strengthened operational delivery to communities.

Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “Spencer has been with LFB for 27 years and, as well as the knowledge and experience he brings, has demonstrated exceptional leadership during that time, most recently as Assistant Commissioner responsible for LFB’s 103 fire stations.

“During that time he has overseen significant improvements to the Brigade’s performance and the service delivered to communities.”

Walker to lead preparedness and response operations

Mat Walker has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Preparedness & Response.

According to London Fire Brigade, Walker currently serves as Deputy Chief Fire Officer at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and will begin his new role at LFB on 1 October.

Walker has held the Deputy Chief position since September 2022 and previously worked in service assurance and improvement at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He joined the Fire and Rescue Service in 2003 and has served in South Yorkshire and National Resilience, where he worked as a Command-and-Control advisor.

London Fire Brigade said he contributed to the national response to flooding and other high-profile incidents on the east coast.

Jonathan Smith said: “Mat brings invaluable senior leadership experience from his time serving in North Yorkshire where he has been Deputy Commissioner for the last three years.

“Through that time he has helped to drive improvements across the service, and he brings a wealth of operational expertise across fire, flooding and national resilience.”

Commissioner welcomes both to senior team

London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith welcomed both appointees to their new roles within the brigade’s senior leadership team.

He said: “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Spencer and Mat as the new Deputy Commissioners at London Fire Brigade.

“I have no doubt that both Spencer and Mat will help the Brigade to continue building on the progress that we have made across the organisation in recent years and I look forward to welcoming them both into their new roles.”

The appointments come as Charlie Pugsley, the outgoing Deputy Commissioner, takes on a new position with the Building Safety Regulator.

London Fire Brigade confirmed that Pugsley has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer for the regulator.

Wider context and career backgrounds

According to London Fire Brigade, the appointment process follows wider structural changes at the senior level within the service.

Jonathan Smith was confirmed as Commissioner earlier in 2025, and the new Deputy Commissioner roles complete the updated leadership team.

The brigade explained that Sutcliff and Walker will each oversee a defined portfolio covering both strategic and operational responsibilities.

Walker’s previous experience also includes service in National Resilience, where he worked as a Command-and-Control advisor during major incident response operations.

The new roles form part of the service’s broader efforts to maintain organisational continuity and operational readiness across all areas of fire and rescue delivery.

London Fire Brigade appoints Spencer Sutcliff and Mat Walker as Deputy Commissioners: Summary

London Fire Brigade has appointed Spencer Sutcliff and Mat Walker as Deputy Commissioners.

The appointments follow the confirmation of Jonathan Smith as Commissioner and the departure of Charlie Pugsley.

Sutcliff will lead Prevention, Protection & Policy and began his role on 5 August.

Walker will lead Preparedness & Response and joins the brigade on 1 October.

Sutcliff has served as Assistant Commissioner since 2022 and has 27 years of experience in the brigade.

Walker is currently Deputy Chief Fire Officer in North Yorkshire and has served in multiple fire and rescue services since 2003.

Both appointments were confirmed by London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith.

Pugsley has been appointed interim CEO of the Building Safety Regulator.

London firefighters highlight road traffic collision risks for young drivers

by Featured NewsTraining

Firefighters in London raise concerns ahead of summer break

London Fire Brigade has issued a warning to young drivers in the capital following a rise in road traffic collision fatalities in Croydon.

According to the Brigade, firefighters have rescued over 900 people from road traffic collisions in London since 2020.

In the first half of 2025, two people were killed in road collisions in Croydon, marking the first road traffic fatalities in the borough since 2020.

The Brigade cited figures from the Department for Transport indicating that men aged 17–29 in London are more likely to die in road traffic collisions than any other age group.

Transport for London recorded 3,696 people killed or seriously injured in road collisions in 2024, with speed noted as a contributing factor in 50 percent of fatal cases.

Demonstration gives students hands-on experience

As part of its road safety education work, Croydon Fire Station hosted a practical demonstration for students from Carshalton College.

The activity was designed to simulate a rescue from a road traffic collision and was supported by London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police Service.

Firefighters used the opportunity to highlight risks associated with poor driving decisions and involved students in a scenario where their college vehicle mechanics teacher was rescued from a car.

Students also engaged in activities that illustrated how drugs and alcohol can impair hazard perception and discussed the role of weather warnings, mechanical faults and vehicle upkeep.

London Fire Brigade explained that the session aimed to help students understand both the physical consequences of collisions and the broader responsibilities associated with being a driver.

Risk factors affecting young drivers

According to the Brigade, inexperience and peer pressure increase the likelihood of injury and death for young drivers.

Station Officer Daniel Foster said: “Once schools and colleges break for summer, many young people will be thinking about learning to drive or planning more journeys with their friends, but it’s important to make sure that they do so safely.”

He added: “Young drivers are the most at risk of being killed or seriously injured on our roads. Even if you’re moving slowly, your car can kill a pedestrian or cyclist.

“In addition, research has shown that young people are more likely to show off and pay less attention to the road when they drive with their friends.

“This event provided students with the opportunity to sit in the driving seat and understand what it could be like if they are in a road traffic collision. These activities can help them to understand their responsibilities on the roads and encourage them to drive safely.”

Fatal four causes of collisions

The Brigade has reiterated four primary causes of serious injury and death on the roads, often referred to as the ‘fatal four’.

It stated that speeding, distractions, failing to wear a seatbelt, and driving under the influence are persistent and avoidable risks.

It explained that exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for the conditions is illegal and dangerous.

Distractions such as mobile phone use and loud music can limit a driver’s awareness and cause loss of control.

Not wearing a seatbelt, even on short journeys, is against the law and increases the risk of injury during a collision.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence and can result in fines, licence penalties, or imprisonment.

Collaborative safety efforts

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that its event at Croydon Fire Station was delivered in coordination with London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police Service.

It said the event is part of wider efforts to improve road safety through education and engagement with younger age groups.

The Brigade noted that practical involvement and real-world demonstrations are key to communicating the risks of driving under challenging conditions.

Through such activities, emergency services aim to reduce preventable incidents and promote compliance with traffic laws.

Educational outreach will continue across the summer period, focusing on regions where young driver risk is higher.

London firefighters highlight road traffic collision risks for young drivers: Summary

London Fire Brigade has warned young drivers about road safety ahead of the 2025 summer holidays.

Firefighters have rescued over 900 people from road collisions in London since 2020.

Two road traffic deaths occurred in Croydon in early 2025, the first since 2020.

The Department for Transport states that men aged 17–29 are most at risk in London.

Transport for London recorded 3,696 serious or fatal injuries in 2024.

Speed was a contributing factor in half of all fatal collisions in 2024.

Croydon Fire Station held a road safety demonstration for Carshalton College students.

Firefighters simulated a rescue and ran interactive driving safety activities.

Station Officer Daniel Foster said young drivers must understand their responsibilities.

The ‘fatal four’ collision causes are speeding, distractions, no seatbelt and driving under influence.

Driving under the influence is a criminal offence with legal consequences.

The London Fire Brigade partnered with London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police.

The Brigade will continue its youth engagement on road safety throughout summer 2025.

London Fire Brigade upgrades system with live translation

by CommunicationsFeatured News

New emergency system to improve communication with non-English speakers

The London Fire Brigade will deploy a new emergency response system that includes a live language translation feature, according to UK Authority.

The £20 million contract was signed by the London Fire Commissioner and awarded to NEC Software Solutions.

The contract came into effect in February and will run until July 2027.

Features to support incident coordination and public communication

The updated system will allow the public to contact the fire service using platforms such as WhatsApp and other social media channels.

NEC explained that the system will use real-time data analytics to trace call origins, immediately tagging them as incident-related.

The feature aims to help control room staff avoid dispatching duplicate units and make better deployment decisions during larger emergencies.

The company will partner with Mitel to integrate the new communications features.

Multi-language capabilities to improve access for London residents

UK Authority reported that the system’s translation feature is designed to support people who do not speak English as their first language.

This aims to improve communication during emergency calls and help control room operators respond more accurately and quickly.

The London Fire Brigade said the technology reflects its efforts to support a diverse population with accessible emergency services.

Technology investment intended to support operational performance

Patrick Goulbourne, assistant commissioner at the London Fire Brigade, said: “Having the right technology means we can be there for Londoners when they need us most.

“Our crews work under immense pressure, and it’s vital we give them the best tools possible to help protect our capital city and its people.

“This new technology shows our commitment to improving and modernising our service so we can respond to incidents as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

London Fire Brigade to launch upgraded system with live translation: Summary

The London Fire Brigade has signed a £20 million contract with NEC Software Solutions.

The contract came into effect in February 2025 and will run until July 2027.

The system is expected to be operational in 2026.

It includes a live translation feature to help non-English speakers communicate during emergency calls.

The system will also allow contact through WhatsApp and social media platforms.

Real-time data analytics will trace call origins and help coordinate responses.

The technology is intended to avoid duplicating emergency dispatches.

NEC will work with Mitel to integrate communication functions into the control room.

The system is designed to support both operational efficiency and accessibility.

The London Fire Brigade stated that the investment will modernise its service.

Be Water Aware: UK fire services highlight water safety risks as temperatures rise

by Featured NewsSafety

NFCC launches Be Water Aware campaign to prevent drownings

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has launched its annual Be Water Aware campaign to raise awareness about water safety across the United Kingdom, according to the NFCC.

The campaign runs from 28 April to 4 May 2025 and aims to reduce the number of accidental drownings as temperatures rise, the NFCC said.

The NFCC stated that according to the latest data from the National Water Safety Forum’s Water Incident Database, 273 people in the UK lost their lives to accidental drowning in 2023.

The NFCC explained that around 40 per cent of these individuals had no intention of entering the water, with slips, trips and falls cited as common causes.

Chris Kirby, Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Lead at the NFCC, said: “Many people don’t realise how easily everyday situations, like walking near a riverbank, or trying to cool off on a warm day – can end in tragedy.”

Chris Kirby added: “Our message is simple: We encourage people to reduce their risk of drowning by making safe choices around water and to know what to do if an emergency should happen.”

London Fire Brigade warns of increase in water-related incidents

The London Fire Brigade has reported a rise in water-related incidents ahead of the May bank holiday, coinciding with the NFCC’s Be Water Aware campaign.

According to the London Fire Brigade, its crews responded to 565 water-related incidents in 2024 and have already attended around 160 such incidents in the first quarter of 2025.

The Brigade said that its fireboats have been deployed to more than 70 incidents so far in 2025.

The London Fire Brigade reported that the number of incidents in March 2025 alone increased by more than 32 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection at London Fire Brigade, Craig Carter, said: “Whether you’re walking by the river, spending time by canals, or taking part in water-based activities, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take simple precautions to stay safe around London’s waterways.”

Craig Carter added: “Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are. It can lead to water inhalation, and, in the worst cases, drowning.”

Craig Carter further stated: “Be particularly careful near the water’s edge, it’s easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water. While designated swimming locations have lifeguards and safety measures in place, open water environments pose unpredictable risks.”

Public urged to follow simple water safety advice

The NFCC is encouraging the public to follow basic safety measures to prevent accidents near water, it said.

The NFCC advises people to stick to proper pathways, stay clear of water edges, avoid entering the water after drinking alcohol, and walk home safely with friends away from waterways.

The NFCC also advises that if someone gets into difficulty in water, bystanders should remember the Call, Tell, Throw approach: call 999, tell the person to float on their back, and throw them something that floats.

The NFCC recommends that individuals who find themselves in trouble should remember the Float to Live technique, involving tilting the head back with ears submerged, relaxing to control breathing, moving the hands and feet to stay afloat, and spreading the arms and legs.

Craig Carter at the London Fire Brigade added: “If you do find yourself struggling, follow the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ advice: tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands and feet to help you stay afloat.”

Craig Carter further stated: “If you see someone in trouble in the water, never jump in after them. Instead, call 999, tell the person in the water to float on their back and throw them something that floats.”

Water safety measures in place across London’s waterways

The London Fire Brigade reported that it has worked with partners to implement water safety measures across the city’s waterways.

According to the London Fire Brigade, throwlines have been installed at various locations, allowing quicker rescues by members of the public while emergency services respond.

The Brigade explained that users can access the throwlines by calling 999, quoting the What3Words code at the location, and receiving a unique lock code from Control Officers.

Control Officers will then guide users through deploying the throwline while dispatching water rescue teams, the London Fire Brigade said.

Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, Jules Pipe, said: “London’s rivers, lakes and waterways can look very appealing when the temperatures rise, however, there can also be hidden dangers. The Mayor is working to improve the capital’s waterways for everyone to enjoy, and has been clear that it’s vital that people only do so where it is safe and supervised.”

Jules Pipe added: “I urge everyone to heed London Fire Brigade’s advice to stay safe in and around our waterways.”

UK fire services highlight water safety risks as temperatures rise: Summary

The National Fire Chiefs Council has launched the Be Water Aware campaign across the United Kingdom from 28 April to 4 May 2025.

According to the NFCC, 273 people died from accidental drowning in 2023.

The NFCC stated that around 40 per cent of those had no intention of entering the water.

Chris Kirby of the NFCC encouraged safe choices and awareness around water.

The London Fire Brigade has reported an increase in water-related incidents in the first quarter of 2025.

The London Fire Brigade noted that fireboats were deployed to over 70 incidents so far this year.

The Brigade also highlighted a 32 per cent rise in incidents in March compared to the same period in 2024.

Assistant Commissioner Craig Carter urged Londoners to exercise caution near waterways.

Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, emphasised the importance of only using safe, supervised water areas.

The London Fire Brigade explained that throwlines are now available at various locations to assist in emergencies.

Control Officers provide access to throwlines by giving a lock code after a 999 call and guiding users during rescues.

London Fire Brigade donates firefighting equipment to Ukraine in national support effort

by Featured NewsPeople

UK support convoy delivers thousands of firefighting tools to Ukraine

Seven firefighters from London Fire Brigade have returned from Poland after participating in the largest UK fire service-led convoy to deliver life-saving firefighting equipment to Ukraine.

According to London Fire Brigade, more than 140 folding roof ladders, decommissioned Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM) vans, breathing apparatus equipment, overalls and protective goggles were included in the donation.

The convoy involved over 100 UK fire and rescue personnel. It marked the eighth such operation since the start of the conflict in Ukraine in 2021.

Equipment gathered by London Fire Brigade teams for transport

In preparation for the convoy, teams from London Fire Brigade’s International Search and Rescue, Operations Support Centre and Technical Support Services co-ordinated to load the equipment onto three articulated lorries.

The trip was part of a wider collaboration between fire and rescue services across the UK.

The Brigade confirmed that this operation delivered 15,000 pieces of equipment to support Ukrainian emergency services.

London Fire Brigade expresses support for Ukrainian counterparts

Assistant Commissioner Operational Resilience and Control Patrick Goulbourne said: “The Brigade is proud to support this crucial initiative. It helps ensure that our Ukrainian colleagues are equipped and ready to respond safely in an emergency.”

Goulbourne added: “I’m also grateful that this equipment which has helped keep Londoners, and people across the UK safe, will now see a second life in service of the Ukrainian people.”

FIRE AID and partners maintain long-term support for Ukraine

David O’Neill MBE, FIRE AID Chair and former London Fire Brigade officer, also supported the convoy.

He said: “We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine; our fire family is committed to giving ongoing support and a lifeline in their time of need.”

He added: “The statistics are staggering; more than 100 firefighters have lost their lives, with hundreds injured. Our work is far from done. We remain committed to Ukraine and will continue to offer our unwavering support and assistance to their firefighters risking their lives daily.”

London Fire Brigade donates firefighting equipment to Ukraine in national support effort: Summary

Seven London Fire Brigade firefighters took part in a UK-wide convoy delivering firefighting equipment to Ukraine.

More than 140 roof ladders, two DIM vans and thousands of items of kit were transported.

The convoy involved over 100 UK fire personnel and delivered 15,000 items to Ukrainian firefighters.

This was the eighth convoy since 2021 and the largest organised by UK fire services.

London Fire Brigade worked with UK Government, National Resilience, UK ISAR, FIRE AID, NFCC and the Fire Industry Association.

David O’Neill MBE of FIRE AID said more than 100 Ukrainian firefighters have died and 431 have been injured.

Over 400 fire stations and 1,700 vehicles have been destroyed since the start of the conflict.

The donated equipment will support ongoing emergency operations in Ukraine.

Fire at electrical substation in Hayes has been extinguished, announce London Fire Brigade

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

London Fire Brigade has confirmed the fire in a high-voltage substation near Heathrow Airport, which began on the evening of 20 March, has been fully extinguished.

The fire was brought under control at 06:28 on 21 March. However, because of its complexity, crews remained on-site to manage remaining hotspots within the electrical equipment.  

The incident involved a transformer containing insulating oil which was fully alight. This created a significant hazard due to being within a substation containing high-voltage equipment and the challenges of an oil-fuelled fire.

Extinguishing the fire

To combat this technically complex fire, crews initially deployed foam to suppress the flames. The foam works by smothering the fire and cutting off its fuel source, preventing reignition.

Firefighters also used a firefighting technique called ‘indirect cooling’ where they use a misting jet to reduce the heat being produced by the transformer where they are unable to directly tackle the fire.  

The Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders were on hand to apply foam and water and the drone team attended to provide incident commanders with a 360-degree view of the fire ground.  

Since the 21 March, crews were waiting for the transformer to cool to required levels before cutting through the steel casing to reach and extinguish pockets of fire that were inaccessible. 

After working closely with scientific advisors, the Brigade has confirmed that as a result of the fire, oil levels were either very low or completely gone. This allowed crews to adopt a more aggressive firefighting approach rather than further intermittent cooling.

Meanwhile, a waste management company was working alongside partners to dispose of oil and water to minimise any environmental impact.  

To better understand where the remaining fires were, the Brigade’s drone team was redeployed to help assess the situation through the use of both video and thermal imaging from above.

Crews then strategically set up ground monitors and branches, allowing water to be directed exactly where it was needed to fully extinguish the fire on Wednesday, 26 March.  

Further investigation

London Fire Brigade Fire Investigation Officers have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police Service to investigate the cause of the fire, who confirmed they are not treating the fire as suspicious. The Brigade is leading the fire investigation and this will focus on the electrical equipment.  

To support the fire investigation, firefighters will maintain a presence at the scene throughout the investigation process.

Additionally, the Brigade is the enforcing authority for the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and has therefore had Fire Safety Officers at the scene to follow up various lines of enquiry.  

Deputy Commissioner, London Fire Brigade, Jonathan Smith’s statement

Commenting on the incident, London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “At 23:23 on the evening of 20 March, London Fire Brigade received the first of 212 calls to a fire in a high voltage substation near Heathrow Airport.  

“The first appliance was on scene within five minutes of mobilisation. The Brigade was in close contact with blue light partners overnight, and at 00:42 the Metropolitan Police declared a major incident.  

“Ten fire engines, two Bulk Foam Units and one High Volume Pump were on scene at the peak of the incident – this equates to approximately 70 London Fire Brigade personnel.  

“Our firefighters worked tirelessly in challenging and hazardous conditions overnight to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible.  

“Firefighters safely evacuated 29 people from neighbouring properties, and as a precaution, a 200-metre cordon was established. Working with the Met police, around 150 people were evacuated. There were no reports of any injuries.  

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank firefighters, Control officers and staff for their courage and professionalism in bringing this incident under control in what were very challenging circumstances.” 

The London Fire Brigade has announced that the electrical substation fire in Hayes is fully extinguished: Summary

The fire in a high-voltage substation near Heathrow Airport, which began on the evening of 20 March, has been fully extinguished, announce the London Fire Brigade.

“People sometimes forget our work is more than just fighting fires”: London Fire Brigade conducts terrorist incident training

by Featured NewsTraining

Firefighters train with emergency services for high-threat response

London Fire Brigade has conducted a series of exercises at the JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester to test its preparedness for responding to marauding terrorist attacks.

According to London Fire Brigade, the exercises were carried out with paramedics and police officers in a simulated high-threat environment.

The scenario involved a mass casualty incident requiring a coordinated emergency response.

Firearms officers cleared the venue while firefighters managed rescues, assessed casualties, and assisted with evacuation procedures.

The training aimed to simulate realistic conditions for joint operations between the fire service, police and ambulance teams.

Enhanced capability follows new training and equipment rollout

London Fire Brigade confirmed that all its firefighters have received training to respond to marauding terrorist attacks.

The training has been embedded into recruit programmes and includes the use of ballistic personal protective equipment such as vests, helmets and ear defenders, which are now standard issue on all fire engines.

The Brigade stated that its operational role includes coordinating rescue efforts and providing immediate emergency care alongside paramedics in high-risk environments.

Exercises reflect inspection results and partnership work

The Brigade received an outstanding rating in its response to major and multi-agency incidents from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: “Along with other emergency partners, London’s firefighters are always ready to respond to a terrorist attack.

“People sometimes forget our work is more than just fighting fires.

“Our crews are trained to coordinate and carry out complex rescue operations and provide immediate emergency care.

“In Colchester, we’ve been testing how we’d carry out those operations in response to a high-risk incident.”

Deputy Mayor for Fire Services Jules Pipe CBE said: “London Fire Brigade plays a critical role in the preparedness and response to terrorist attacks and these multi-agency exercises help to ensure our key emergency services are ready and prepared for the constantly evolving threat of terrorism.”

Programme influenced by previous incidents and public inquiry

London Fire Brigade said the training forms part of a wider response developed after several high-profile incidents since 2017, including Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Fishmongers’ Hall, as well as recommendations from the Manchester Arena public inquiry.

The initiative was developed with the Fire Brigades Union and is supported by additional funding from the Mayor of London.

The Brigade stated it is one of two fire services in the UK with this frontline capability, alongside Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Colchester United Football Club provided the stadium for the training.

General Manager Tim Waddington said: “We are incredibly proud to support London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police Service and London Ambulance Service by providing a venue for these vital training exercises.

“In the challenging times we live in, ensuring our emergency services are fully prepared to respond to major incidents is more important than ever.”

London Fire Brigade conducts terrorist incident training at Colchester stadium: Summary

London Fire Brigade carried out multi-agency training exercises at the JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester.

The exercises involved firefighters, paramedics and police officers responding to a simulated marauding terrorist attack.

The scenario included a firearms threat and mass casualty event, requiring joint operations and evacuation.

All London firefighters have received dedicated training on how to respond to such incidents.

Ballistic vests, helmets and ear defenders are now carried on all fire engines.

The Brigade’s role includes coordinating rescues and supporting immediate medical care.

The training followed several major incidents and recommendations from the Manchester Arena public inquiry.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate rated the Brigade outstanding in its response to multi-agency incidents.

The programme was supported by the Mayor of London and developed in collaboration with the Fire Brigades Union.

London Fire Brigade and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are the only UK fire services with this capability deployed across their frontlines.

London Fire Brigade discuss fires in two separate homes due to e-bike and e-scooter

by Featured NewsPeople

There has been two fires less than 24 hours apart involving an e-bike and an e-scooter, caused by lithium battery failures. The e-bike had been converted from a pedal bike and was charging using a generic charger.

The London Fire Brigade‘s Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Richard Field said: “Both of these fires were caused by catastrophic battery failures. When these batteries fail, they can cause ferocious fires, and the consequences can be devastating.”

Barlow Road fire

The first fire happened when the battery on a charging e-scooter burst into flames at a house on Barlow Road in West Hampstead, leading to the death of a dog inside the property.

The fire quickly spread across the ground floor and up the stairs and eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were dispatched to put out the blaze.

Bridlepath Way fire

The second fire occurred when the battery pack on a second-hand converted e-bike at a house on Bridlepath Way in Feltham caught alight.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were sent to the scene but the fire had already spread through much of the property once firefighters arrived.

Four people left the house before firefighters arrived, including one via a window, with two of the occupants taken to hospital.

Meanwhile, crews were able to rescue two dogs trapped in a room. A third dog that was inside the property was then discovered deceased.

The incidents reiterate why the Brigade has been running its #ChargeSafe campaign, with e-bikes and e-scooters becoming one of the capital’s fastest-growing fire risks.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, London Fire Brigade, Richard Field’s statement

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Richard Field, said: “We urge people who own these devices to follow the safety advice that will help to protect those around them and their properties.”

“E-bikes and e-scooters are a green and sustainable way to travel around our city. However, they can pose a significant fire risk, if not properly cared for, this is particularly true for the batteries used to power them which have become one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks.

“From our investigations, we know many of the fires we’ve attended have involved second-hand vehicles or a bike that was been modified using parts bought online.

“At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we can’t be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.”

Lithium batteries cause two separate fires in London homes: Summary

The London Fire Brigade has spoken out about two seperate fires in less than 24 hours, both caused by lithium batteries in both an e-scooter and e-bike.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Richard Field said that e-bikes and e-scooters pose a significant fire risk is not properly cared for.