Arson increase in London prompts inquiry by fire committee

by Breaking NewsResearch

Executive summary: London Assembly Fire Committee – Arson in London (3 June 2025)

On 3 June 2025, the London Assembly Fire Committee held a public meeting to examine the recent rise in arson offences across the capital.

The discussion brought together senior representatives from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and an independent fire and resilience consultant.

The focus was on understanding the drivers behind the 28% increase in recorded arson incidents since 2022 and exploring collaborative strategies for prevention and response.

Attendees and contributors

  • Charlie Pugsley, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Prevention, Protection & Policy, LFB
  • Pamela Oparaocha, Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, LFB
  • Stephen Mackenzie, Independent Fire, Security and Resilience Consultant
  • Assembly Members from the London Assembly Fire Committee

Overview of current trends

According to police data, the number of arson offences in London rose from 1,894 in 2022 to 2,430 in 2024, with the borough of Greenwich reporting the highest proportional increase.

In contrast, LFB data indicated a 10% reduction in deliberate fires over the same period.

The discrepancy between the two datasets was attributed to differences in classification, reporting processes, and the types of incidents included in each system.

The committee requested borough-level data from the LFB to enable a closer comparison with police figures and to identify local trends.

Fire brigade and police collaboration

When arson is suspected, firefighters conduct a first-level investigation at the scene, escalating to LFB’s dedicated fire investigation team in more serious or complex cases.

These teams work in coordination with the Metropolitan Police, who hold legal primacy in criminal investigations.

LFB also deploys fire dogs to help identify ignitable fluids, which supports the scope and accuracy of scene examination.

The importance of a multi-agency approach was repeatedly emphasised, particularly in complex incidents involving multiple agencies, forensic investigators, and civil authorities.

It was noted that routine collaboration also includes joint exercises, engagement with youth and community groups, and partnerships with mental health and social care services.

Data gaps and shared intelligence

Several participants stressed the need for more comprehensive and joined-up data.

In particular, it was argued that arson-related losses recorded by insurers, local authorities, and healthcare providers could offer valuable insights not captured in fire or police data alone.

Demographic patterns were also discussed, with concern raised that gaps in ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic data might be limiting the effectiveness of prevention work.

The use of “heat maps” and localised incident clustering was described as a helpful tool in borough-level risk management, particularly in identifying repeated patterns of deliberate fires in specific locations such as parks, housing estates, or transport hubs.

Fires in prisons

Deliberate fires in prisons emerged as a key area of concern.

Over the past two years, prisons accounted for a large proportion of high-frequency fire locations across London.

It was reported that 13% of primary fires attended by the LFB during this period were in prison facilities, particularly in boroughs with multiple institutions.

Prison staff provide initial firefighting capabilities, but LFB crews are regularly called to support incidents.

The risks of fire setting in these environments were described as complex, involving issues of security, mental health, resource disruption, and inmate ingenuity.

While some systems such as water mist suppression are available, their implementation has reportedly been inconsistent due to cost, maintenance concerns, and policy limitations.

Challenges in repeat offending

The committee explored how repeat arson offenders are identified and managed.

It was confirmed that the fire service does not routinely receive information about individuals with arson convictions following their release from custody, unless a specific risk has been flagged through multi-agency channels.

The discussion highlighted a distinction between opportunistic fire setting, often associated with youth or antisocial behaviour, and more serious or targeted acts linked to organised crime or mental health conditions.

The latter are often more difficult to predict or prevent without sustained inter-agency monitoring.

Trends in wildfires and open land arson

Wildfires and deliberate fires in open spaces were noted to have increased seasonally, often accounting for up to 60% of deliberate fire incidents at certain times of year.

These are especially challenging to investigate due to the lack of defined boundaries, destruction of evidence, and uncertainty around causes, such as the possible involvement of barbecues, discarded cigarettes or intentional ignition.

In response, borough-based patrols and public education campaigns have been implemented in some areas.

The importance of enabling local fire crews to lead tailored interventions was reiterated throughout the discussion.

Security threats and the weaponisation of fire

The potential for arson to be used as a tool of sabotage or terrorism was raised.

Arson was described as a low-technology method that can be used to target infrastructure, public buildings or soft civilian spaces, particularly in light of evolving global security concerns.

References were made to incidents across Europe potentially linked to state-backed actors, and to UK guidance on hostile fire use.

It was argued that fire safety and counterterrorism planning should be integrated across sectors and supported by updated legislation, threat assessments, and better coordination with intelligence agencies.

Youth intervention and prevention strategies

Youth engagement was a major focus of the meeting.

One-quarter of deliberate fire incidents involve individuals aged 17 or younger.

The LFB’s longstanding fire setters intervention scheme was presented as a successful model, with over 4,000 referrals since 2001 and a reported reoffending rate of under 10%.

The programme includes specialist support for neurodivergent young people and works closely with schools, families and mental health services.

It was confirmed that LFB does not currently operate a centralised arson reduction team, instead relying on station-level staff to identify and respond to risks using standardised toolkits and referral processes.

Community engagement and mental health

Several speakers highlighted the increasing intersection between arson, mental health and self-harm.

In some cases, individuals experiencing a mental health crisis have set fires as a means of self-injury.

These incidents have serious psychological impacts on first responders and underline the importance of post-incident reviews, safeguarding processes and trauma-informed support.

Concerns were also raised about the challenges of care-in-the-community models, particularly when individuals with known fire-setting behaviour are returned to general housing with limited oversight.

Examples were shared of targeted use of suppression systems in vulnerable households, but uptake of such technologies has reportedly been limited due to cost and lack of procurement support.

Public messaging and social media

The influence of social media on fire-setting behaviour, particularly among young people, was briefly discussed.

While no specific evidence was presented, there was agreement that prevention messaging needs to evolve with online trends and that digital content can both educate and glamorise unsafe behaviours.

Examples of past campaigns, such as “Fire Kills” and educational materials aimed at schools, were cited as models worth revisiting.

The importance of consistent messaging and collaboration with central government, broadcasters and tech platforms was acknowledged.

Fire suppression and funding challenges

Fire suppression technologies, including retrofitted systems for domestic settings, were viewed as valuable tools for reducing the impact of arson, especially in high-risk or vulnerable buildings.

However, concerns were raised that cost barriers and fragmented procurement have prevented wider adoption.

There were calls for further research into the cost-benefit case for suppression systems and a need for stronger engagement from insurers and housing providers in funding and implementing protective measures.

Some participants proposed the reinstatement of national-level research initiatives to evaluate risk mitigation strategies more comprehensively.

Conclusion and key takeaways

The meeting concluded with a summary of the key issues:

  • Disparities in fire and police data require better alignment and joint analysis.
  • Prisons have emerged as a concentrated risk area for deliberate fires.
  • Arson may increasingly be used as a tool for disruption, requiring greater preparedness.
  • Youth engagement and early intervention remain essential to long-term risk reduction.
  • Mental health-related arson presents a growing challenge in prevention and response.
  • Fire suppression systems offer protective benefits but face funding and adoption barriers.
  • A more centralised and research-driven national strategy could support local efforts.

Committee members welcomed the ongoing efforts of the LFB and partner organisations and called for sustained political and financial support for both operational response and long-term prevention work.

Arson increase in London prompts inquiry by fire committee: Summary

The London Assembly Fire Committee held a meeting on 3 June 2025 in response to rising arson offences in London.

Police data shows a 28% increase in arson cases across the capital from 2022 to 2024.

Greenwich recorded a 67% increase, the highest among all boroughs.

The London Fire Brigade stated that its internal data shows a 10% reduction in deliberate fires during the same period.

The committee requested borough-level data from LFB for comparison with police figures.

The London Fire Brigade identified prisons as key hotspots, representing 13% of primary fire locations over the last two years.

Fires in open land were noted to account for up to 60% of deliberate fire totals during certain months.

The LFB outlined collaboration processes with the Metropolitan Police during arson investigations.

Fire investigation dogs are used to detect accelerants and define the scope of fire scenes.

The Fire Committee heard that arson incidents are difficult to investigate in large or open environments.

The LFB operates a fire setters intervention scheme focused on education and early intervention.

A quarter of all deliberate fire incidents involve individuals under the age of 18.

Over 90% of those referred to the scheme reportedly do not reoffend.

The Fire Committee also heard calls for better integration of insurance and emergency data.

There was discussion about the potential for a national arson prevention mechanism.

Mental health, community support, and social media influences were also raised during the session.

Watch the discussion below

ChargeSafe campaign tackles battery safety risks for e-bike and e-scooter users

by Featured NewsSafetyTraining

London Fire Brigade responds to rise in battery fires across the capital

The London Fire Brigade held a series of safety events held across London to address the increasing number of fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters.

According to the Brigade, the campaign – titled #ChargeSafe – comes in response to a marked rise in battery-related fires in the capital, including more than ten incidents within a five-day period.

The safety events focused on sharing advice directly with riders in boroughs identified as having a higher number of e-bike-related incidents, including Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Newham.

Collaborative events deliver direct engagement with riders

The London Fire Brigade stated that it partnered with London Trading Standards to deliver the sessions during spring 2025.

Firefighters engaged with riders in high-traffic areas such as outside fast food venues, offering translated flyers and battery safety advice.

Local Trading Standards Officers and Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, also attended, offering guidance on safe charging and collecting information about the most commonly used bikes.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner highlights prevalence of modified bikes

Richard Field, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection at London Fire Brigade, said: “These events across London have been a great opportunity for our crews and partners to deliver crucial safety advice to those who need to hear it most.

“Over the course of these engagements, we’ve spoken to hundreds of riders, offering them our #ChargeSafe campaign flyers, including versions translated into multiple languages such as Bengali, Urdu and Spanish.

“We learnt that a vast number of riders are using modified e-bikes. While it was encouraging to learn about some of the safe storage and charging practices riders have adopted at home, we know that there is an increased fire risk, in particular with bikes that have had battery packs fitted.

“Along with the incidents that we are now unfortunately routinely attending, this activity reinforces how vital events like these are.”

The Brigade reported that the events were supported by funding from the Office for Product Safety Standards following a successful bid by London Trading Standards.

Calls for regulation and online safety standards

Stuart Radnedge, regional co-ordinator at London Trading Standards, said: “This has been an excellent way of advising e-bike users about how to safely charge as well as avoid some of the risks when shopping online. At this time, we cannot be confident that products sold online, such as batteries and chargers, meet the correct safety standards.

“I’d like to thank all of the trading standards officers who have supported this initiative which is helping to make London safer.

“In addition, this project has enhanced relationships with the partners involved to ensure additional safety projects will take place in the future.”

Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, added: “Gig economy workers are often difficult to reach, so it has been invaluable to share life-saving safety advice with them in person all across London.

“Many of the bikes we came across during this event were converted, confirming that DIY kits are highly attractive to this group.

“Because of the accessible price point of a conversion kit versus a fully manufactured e-bike, many gig workers will turn to them as part of their work – but at present there are no safety standards for these kits.

“They are often sold incomplete, by third-party sellers online, with a motor, a handful of wires and a controller, missing the most important components: a battery and charger.

“If a consumer purchases an incompatible pair, the risk of a fire can be severe. It is vital safety standards for conversion kits are introduced to ensure the risk from substandard kits sold online is tackled.”

ChargeSafe campaign supports regulation of online marketplaces

The London Fire Brigade said it had recently taken part in two of Deliveroo’s Rider Roadshows, using them as further opportunities to speak directly with e-bike riders.

The organisation confirmed that its #ChargeSafe campaign has consistently called for increased regulation of online marketplaces selling lithium batteries, chargers and conversion kits.

It stated that the Product Regulation & Metrology Bill has been welcomed as a step towards protecting consumers from unsafe goods.

The Brigade explained that it is working with Government by providing data and technical input to strengthen the proposed legislation.

ChargeSafe campaign tackles battery safety risks for e-bike and e-scooter users: Summary

The London Fire Brigade has hosted safety events across London as part of its ChargeSafe campaign.

The campaign responds to a rise in battery-related fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters.

According to the Brigade, more than ten fires occurred over a five-day period.

Events were held in boroughs with high fire rates, including Tower Hamlets, Southwark and Newham.

Firefighters shared translated safety leaflets and offered advice directly to riders.

London Trading Standards and Electrical Safety First joined to give product-specific guidance.

The initiative was funded by the Office for Product Safety Standards.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field said many riders used modified e-bikes with added battery packs.

The Brigade said the use of conversion kits increases fire risk, particularly when paired with unverified chargers.

Stuart Radnedge of London Trading Standards warned about buying batteries online that may not meet safety requirements.

Giuseppe Capanna of Electrical Safety First called for safety standards for DIY conversion kits.

The Brigade also attended Deliveroo Rider Roadshows to reach more riders.

It is supporting the Product Regulation & Metrology Bill to improve product safety online.

The Brigade is contributing data to help strengthen the new legislation.

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.

Wellbeing dogs join London Fire Brigade mental health initiative

by Featured NewsPeople

Wellbeing dogs provide post-incident support across London

The London Fire Brigade has announced the graduation of six new canine recruits and their handlers into its wellbeing dog programme.

According to the London Fire Brigade, the dogs are part of a mental health support initiative that helps firefighters process traumatic events.

The newly qualified dogs will join an existing group of four, bringing the total number in the team to ten.

The Brigade stated that the programme allows fire stations across its 102-site network to request visits, particularly after distressing incidents.

The scheme was launched in 2017 by firefighter Shelley Robinson and was expanded in 2023 under the leadership of Sarah Jane King and Katie Pelzman, with operational support from Assistant Operations Manager Becci Dingvean.

Firefighters benefit from therapy dog visits

The London Fire Brigade reported that wellbeing dog visits have taken place around 30 times over the past year.

These include visits to fire stations, public open days and internal departments.

The Brigade explained that future visits will be scheduled in response to serious incidents to provide an immediate morale boost and early emotional support for personnel.

Natalie Elliott, Head of Health and Wellbeing at London Fire Brigade, said: “Our fire crews are called to all manner of incidents, not just burning buildings.

“Some of these incidents may have a significant impact on a person’s mental health, and can range from fatalities to train or car accidents, and incidents involving very young children.

“It’s impossible to know who and how someone is going to be affected from the outset, but we do know that some incidents will stay with our staff long after they’ve left the scene.

“The wellbeing dogs help provide support and are key to bridging the gap between early interventions such as peer-based post incident support and more structured support, such as trauma therapy, which the Brigade provides.”

Dog handlers complete specialist training

One of the new canine recruits is Blue, a miniature Australian Shepherd.

Blue is handled by Lucy MacLeod, Borough Commander for Hammersmith and Fulham.

The Brigade confirmed that Blue and MacLeod have completed 20 training modules through the Oscar Kilo 9 Dogs Trust Handlers course, alongside a behavioural assessment.

Handlers are also required to undertake a two-day Mental Health First Aid course and a one-day peer support training session through the OK9 programme.

Borough Commander MacLeod said: “It does take a special type of dog to take on this work. Blue has the right temperament.

“He is happy to be stroked, adores being made a fuss of and he is very calm around people. He generally loves being around humans.

“Evidence shows that animals like Blue, can have a calming influence on people and provide a positive distraction; there’s no judgement from a dog.

“We’ve found that our staff are more likely to talk openly and honestly on subjects like mental health and wellbeing when four-legged friends are around.”

Fire crews share experiences of wellbeing dog visits

The London Fire Brigade reported that the visits are well received by crews and are seen as a useful tool for decompressing after challenging shifts.

Wallington’s Red Watch Leading Firefighter Craig Parlanti described one such visit to his station.

He said: “It was great to meet Ted.

“He’s a three-year-old working cocker spaniel.

“He came to visit us at the fire station and gave us all a bit of a boost.

“It’s important we unwind and de-stress after some of the incidents we attend.

“Ted’s visit certainly helped us to do that.”

The Brigade added that it hopes to grow the programme further by recruiting additional dogs and handlers in the coming months.

Wellbeing dogs join London Fire Brigade mental health initiative: Summary

The London Fire Brigade has expanded its wellbeing dog programme to include ten qualified dogs.

Six new dogs and their handlers were announced during Mental Health Awareness Week.

The programme was established in 2017 and expanded in 2023 by the Brigade’s wellbeing team.

Fire stations across London can request wellbeing dog visits following traumatic events.

Visits are also made to Brigade departments and public events.

Dogs and their handlers undergo specialist training including OK9 modules and mental health first aid.

The Brigade stated that dogs offer emotional support and aid post-incident recovery.

Handlers include serving firefighters and officers who volunteer their time and pets.

Crews have reported positive effects from the visits, including reduced stress levels.

The Brigade intends to further develop the programme in the coming months.

Mayor and Government launch joint board to address London’s cladding crisis

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

New board established to accelerate cladding remediation in London

The office of the Mayor of London has reported that a new Joint Remediation Partnership Board has been created to speed up the removal of unsafe cladding on residential buildings above 11 metres across the capital.

The board met for the first time on 6 May 2025 and is chaired jointly by Deputy Mayor of London for Housing Tom Copley and Minister for Building Safety and Fire Alex Norris.

The new group brings together City Hall, the Government, the London Fire Brigade, London Councils, housing providers and regulatory bodies.

It has been formed in response to what the office of the Mayor described as the scale of the building safety challenge in London, with more than 1,500 buildings in remediation programmes yet to begin works.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This is a significant step forward in speeding up the removal of dangerous cladding in London, which had been far too slow under the previous Government.

“Everyone deserves the right to live in a safe home – a right denied to the residents of Grenfell Tower.

“I will not stop until we can say with confidence that the failings which led to this disaster will never be repeated.

“I will continue to work hand-in-hand with the Government, London Councils, the London Fire Brigade and the sector to take swift action to remove dangerous cladding on buildings as we continue to build a safer London for everyone.”

Strategy to meet 2029 national remediation target

The office of the Mayor stated that the board will establish a formal plan to align national, regional and local enforcement efforts.

Its purpose is to support the Government’s goal that, by the end of 2029, all residential buildings over 11 metres with unsafe cladding across the UK will either be remediated, scheduled for completion, or subject to enforcement penalties.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities reported that London currently has four times the national average of high-rise homes, and over 1,500 buildings in Government remediation programmes have not yet started work on site.

Building and Fire Safety Minister Alex Norris said: “The pace of remediation has been far too slow and nearly eight years on from the Grenfell Fire tragedy far too many people are living in buildings with unsafe cladding.

“This problem is particularly acute in London, which is why I’m pleased to be working with the Deputy Mayor for London and the Greater London Authority to accelerate the pace of remediation work in London, and ensure residents feel safe and secure in their homes.

“Alongside the London Fire Brigade, London Councils and regulators, we are bringing renewed vigour to tackling long-overdue issues with unsafe cladding in the capital.”

Calls for resources and coordination from borough councils

London Councils has welcomed the creation of the new board but highlighted that local authorities face funding constraints.

Cllr Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, said: “Boroughs’ overriding priority is to ensure every Londoner is safe – and feels safe – in their home.

“Faster progress must be made in removing unsafe cladding and it is vital this coalition of key partners help bring together our respective powers, resources and influence to accelerate remediation.

“It is also pivotal that boroughs and our partners have sufficient resources to enforce standards.

“There is currently a massive squeeze on London’s housing budgets, which makes it harder to modernise buildings and address safety concerns, as well as holding us back from building the new housing we desperately need.”

London Fire Brigade supports partnership initiative

The London Fire Brigade has stated that the new partnership will help improve building safety across the capital.

Charlie Pugsley, Deputy Commissioner and Director of Prevention, Protection, and Operational Policy at London Fire Brigade, said: “The creation of the Joint Remediation Partnership Board, and continued support from the Mayor of London, will be key in helping to address the ongoing challenges being faced across London’s built environment.

“We support this action being taken to drive forward the remediation required across London’s high and medium rise residential properties.

“It is unacceptable that leaseholders and residents continue to face such uncertainty and stress, and in many cases, a significant financial burden, due to these buildings with dangerous cladding still not being remediated.

“Those responsible for residential buildings have a legal obligation and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to identify and address the risks to keep Londoners safe.”

Campaigners urge intervention on tower block plans in Bromley

The Fire Brigades Union and building safety campaign groups have written to Sadiq Khan and Bromley Council leader Colin Smith calling for construction of a proposed residential tower block in Penge to be halted.

According to the Fire Brigades Union, the planned building is 17.7 metres tall – 30 centimetres below the 18-metre threshold that triggers a requirement for two staircases under current regulations.

The London Fire Brigade lodged a nine-point objection, arguing that reducing the height to avoid a second staircase is “not ethically justified”.

Fire Brigades Union warns reduced height building could risk lives

Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Steve Wright said the development undermines post-Grenfell safety improvements.

He said: “This is an attempt to cut corners and get around the building safety regulations introduced to avoid a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

“If the development goes ahead in its current form, residents of this property will only have one staircase which they can use to evacuate.

“This could cost lives.

“It’s vital that Sadiq Khan uses his powers to block this attempt to circumvent the safety improvements that were introduced in the wake of the Grenfell fire.”

Organisations that have signed the letter include Justice for Grenfell, End Our Cladding Scandal, Tower Blocks UK, UK Cladding Action, ACORN, the London Renters’ Union and the Penge Preservation Society.

Mayor and Government launch joint board to address London’s cladding crisis: Summary

The office of the Mayor of London has reported that a new Joint Remediation Partnership Board has been established.

The board is co-chaired by Deputy Mayor for Housing Tom Copley and Minister for Building Safety and Fire Alex Norris.

It brings together representatives from City Hall, the Government, London Councils, housing associations, the London Fire Brigade and regulatory bodies.

The board will set a strategy to speed up the removal of unsafe cladding from residential buildings in London over 11 metres in height.

The strategy supports the national target to remediate such buildings by the end of 2029 or issue enforcement penalties.

More than 1,500 buildings in London’s remediation programme have not yet started on site.

The London Fire Brigade stated that continued inaction places residents under stress and financial strain.

London Councils said boroughs need greater resources to deliver building safety enforcement and remediation.

The Fire Brigades Union has written to the Mayor and Bromley Council opposing a 17.7 metre tower block that avoids new staircase rules.

The FBU warned that a single-staircase building of that height could endanger residents during an evacuation.

Flammable skin creams pose fire risk in care settings, says London Fire Brigade

by Featured NewsSafety

London Fire Brigade urges safer alternatives to flammable emollients in UK care homes

The London Fire Brigade has warned that emollient creams containing flammable ingredients such as paraffin, petroleum or natural oils can increase fire risk in care settings.

According to the Brigade, these creams are widely used to treat conditions like eczema, psoriasis or pressure sores and are often prescribed to people with limited mobility, who are more vulnerable in the event of a fire.

The Brigade has advised care homes and carers to switch to non-flammable alternatives and ensure that all residents have personalised fire risk plans that account for cigarette use, skin cream application and oxygen therapy.

Family supports call following fatal care home fire

The Brigade’s safety campaign has been supported by the family of Cedric Skyers, a 69-year-old care home resident who died following a fire in March 2016.

An investigation found that although a smoking risk assessment had been carried out, it failed to consider the fire risk posed by emollient creams, which can build up on skin, clothes and bedding, making them more likely to ignite.

David Skyers, Cedric’s son, said: “Skin creams like emollients are flammable and smokers have to be very careful.

“My Dad had few remaining pleasures in life following his stroke. He enjoyed writing poetry and smoking a cigarette.

“When he smoked, he needed to be supervised in case of an accident. He wasn’t mobile and needed help to get around in his wheelchair.”

David Skyers added: “If he had passed away naturally, as upsetting as that would be, you can understand it. This is just not meant to happen.”

He continued: “To lose Dad in such a horrific incident has been devastating for all of us. We really want to make sure this doesn’t happen again, so nobody else loses a much-loved father, grandfather and friend in such an awful way.

“If we could take one small positive from it, it would be the learning lesson that this tragic event lends to others in the future. No family should have to experience our heartache.”

Legal action taken following fire at BUPA care home

Following Cedric Skyers’ death, the London Fire Brigade brought a prosecution against BUPA under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching its fire safety responsibilities at the Brockley care home.

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Craig Carter said: “This is a harrowing case where failure to comply with fire safety regulations had fatal consequences. Cedric was vulnerable and his death could have been avoided.”

Craig Carter added: “Every resident should have a plan in place which accounts for their mobility, their use of cigarettes, flammable skin creams and oxygen equipment.”

He continued: “Care home staff can help to keep residents safe by encouraging them not to smoke, especially if they could drop their cigarette, become disoriented, or tend to fall asleep while smoking.”

Craig Carter said: “We’re urging care home providers and carers to seek support and utilise the resources on the London Fire Brigade website to ensure they have taken the necessary precautions to keep their residents safe.”

Fires in care homes increase, prompting call for national regulator involvement

According to the London Fire Brigade, the number of fires in care homes and supported living facilities rose from 11 to 41 in December 2024, marking a three-year high.

The Brigade has written to the Care Quality Commission requesting action in response to this increase.

The Brigade reported that smoking and cooking were the two leading causes of these incidents.

It has encouraged formal and informal carers to use the Brigade’s online Home Fire Safety Checker and to book free home fire safety visits for tailored advice and support.

The Brigade advises switching to emollient creams free from paraffins, petroleum or natural oils and recommends that residents maintain distance from heaters and avoid open flames near clothing or bedding.

It also recommends installing smoke alarms in all areas where a fire could start and using heat alarms in kitchens.

Flammable skin creams pose fire risk in care settings, says London Fire Brigade: Summary

The London Fire Brigade has issued a safety warning about the use of emollient creams containing flammable ingredients in care settings.

These creams are commonly used by people with limited mobility, who face greater fire risk.

The Brigade is calling for a switch to non-flammable alternatives and personalised risk plans for residents.

This call is supported by the family of Cedric Skyers, who died in a fire at a care home in 2016.

An investigation found the risk assessment did not consider emollient use.

BUPA was prosecuted and pleaded guilty to breaching fire safety obligations.

Assistant Commissioner Craig Carter said the death was avoidable with better fire safety planning.

The Brigade reported a rise in care home fires from 11 to 41 in December 2024.

Smoking and cooking were the main causes of these fires.

The Brigade has contacted the Care Quality Commission to request further action.

Carers are encouraged to use online tools and book free fire safety visits.

Safety advice includes using non-flammable creams and keeping flammable materials away from heat sources.

Electrical substation fire in London causes widespread outages and Heathrow closure

by Breaking NewsIndustrial

Fire in Hayes leads to major power outage and airport disruption

A fire at an electrical substation in Hayes, West London has caused a large-scale power outage and led to the closure of Heathrow Airport for the entire day.

The London Fire Brigade responded to the incident late on Thursday night.

Around 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines were deployed to the site on Nestles Avenue, where a transformer had caught fire.

The blaze disrupted the electricity supply to thousands of homes and affected key infrastructure, including Heathrow Airport, which remains closed.

Airport operations suspended due to loss of power

Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest in the world, suspended operations until 23:59 on Friday 21 March 2025.

According to airport officials, more than 1,300 flights scheduled to arrive or depart have been affected.

Passengers were advised not to travel to the airport under any circumstances.

Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that 1,351 flights could be cancelled.

Some inbound international flights were diverted to other airports, including Gatwick, Paris and Shannon.

Response from emergency services and government

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the fire was under control by 06:28 on Friday morning.

Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne said: “This was a very visible and significant incident, and our firefighters worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control as swiftly as possible.

“Thanks to their efforts and coordinated multi-agency response, we successfully contained the fire and prevented further spread.”

He added: “Due to the significant smoke, we strongly advise local residents to keep their windows and doors closed, as some smoke will remain for a number of hours today.

“Scientific advisors will also be on-site this morning to conduct further assessments and monitor the air quality.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said in media interviews that National Grid was responding to what he described as an “unprecedented event”.

He added: “It appears to have knocked out a back-up generator as well as a substation itself.”

Local impact and power restoration efforts

Power cuts affected more than 16,000 homes, according to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

By 06:00 GMT, National Grid reported that electricity had been restored to 62,000 customers, with 4,900 still without power.

Residents in the area reported watching the flames overnight.

Around 150 people were evacuated, and firefighters led 29 people to safety from neighbouring buildings.

A 200-metre cordon was set up as a precaution. The fire brigade’s Control Officers handled over 200 emergency calls.

Investigation into cause of fire underway

Fire investigators are working with the Metropolitan Police Service to determine the cause of the fire.

Emergency services were initially called to the scene at 23:23 on Thursday.

Crews from Hayes, Heathrow, Hillingdon, Southall and surrounding stations were mobilised.

The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage.

The fire brigade has confirmed that teams will maintain a presence at the site to support the National Grid’s assessment work.

Electrical substation fire in London causes widespread outages and Heathrow closure: Summary

A fire broke out at an electrical substation on Nestles Avenue in Hayes, West London at 23:23 on Thursday 20 March 2025.

The fire involved a transformer and led to a major power outage across the region.

London Fire Brigade deployed 10 engines and approximately 70 firefighters.

The fire was declared under control by 06:28 on Friday.

Heathrow Airport closed all operations for the day as a result of the outage, with over 1,300 flights affected.

Power supply was disrupted to more than 16,000 properties.

At least 150 people were evacuated, including 29 who were led to safety by firefighters.

A 200-metre cordon was established.

The government confirmed that a back-up generator was also impacted.

Fire investigators are working with the Metropolitan Police to identify the cause.

National Grid has restored power to most affected properties but some remain without supply.

Emergency crews and scientific advisors remain at the scene.

Fire safety rules prompt removal of London Underground book swaps

by Featured NewsSafety

TfL orders book exchanges removed from Tube stations

Transport for London (TfL) has removed book exchange libraries from Tube stations following fire safety concerns raised by the London Fire Brigade (LFB).

According to The Standard, TfL instructed stations to close these informal book-sharing spaces after the LFB advised that stored books posed a fire risk.

Signs posted at affected stations informed commuters that the exchanges were being shut down immediately due to fire safety regulations.

The decision sparked criticism on social media, with some expressing disappointment at the sudden removal of the longstanding initiative.

Mayor intervenes in response to public reaction

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has stepped in, calling for the decision to be reversed.

Speaking to The Standard, Khan said: “The first I discovered there were plans to take away these very small libraries was today.

“I’ve seen the difference they make, by speaking to commuters around Highbury & Islington, Oval and other parts of the network.”

He added that he had asked TfL and the LFB to reconsider, stating: “I’m hoping there’ll be a very swift announcement that this decision has been u-turned.”

LFB cites fire risk from combustible materials

The LFB confirmed it had advised TfL to remove book exchanges from subsurface stations, citing fire safety concerns.

A spokesperson for LFB said: “Ensuring the safety of those using the London transport network is our priority.

“We are working with Transport for London with regards to their responsibility to remove all book libraries from subsurface stations.

“This is due to combustible material posing a fire safety risk if it is stored on these premises.”

Non-subsurface stations have been asked to remove book swaps temporarily while appropriate fire safety plans are put in place.

Wider fire safety concerns on the Underground

The removal of book exchanges comes as other fire safety concerns have been raised in recent weeks, particularly regarding e-bikes on the London Underground network.

A recent video showed an e-bike catching fire at Rayners Lane station.

The train drivers’ union Aslef has since stated it is considering balloting its members for strike action over safety risks posed by allowing e-bikes on Tube services.

Fire safety rules prompt removal of London Underground book swaps: Summary

Transport for London has removed book exchange libraries from Tube stations after the London Fire Brigade raised fire safety concerns.

The LFB advised that books stored at subsurface stations posed a fire risk, prompting TfL to order their immediate removal.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has intervened, calling for a reversal of the decision.

He stated that he had spoken with commuters who valued the book exchanges and has asked TfL and the LFB to reconsider.

The LFB confirmed that the decision was based on the presence of combustible materials at subsurface stations.

Book swaps at non-subsurface locations may return once fire safety plans are reviewed.

The decision comes amid growing concerns about fire risks on the Underground, particularly regarding e-bikes.

The train drivers’ union Aslef has warned that it may ballot members for industrial action over safety concerns.

London Fire Brigade urge caution amid increase in heating-related fires

by Featured NewsSafety

Since 22 December, London Fire Brigade has attended a heating-related fire every day. In total, 36 incidents have occurred, resulting in six injuries. With temperatures dropping in the colder months and increasing energy costs, some households have turned to alternative heating methods, contributing to a surge in fires. In 2024, firefighters attended 236 heating-related fires.

As part of Register My Appliance Week, the Brigade is urging the public to ensure their heaters are safe and not subject to recalls. It comes as data from the last month reveals 14 per cent of fires were caused by faulty equipment.

Recently, the Officer for Product Safety and Standards recalled two types of heaters due to dangerous faults in the equipment.

Assistant Commissioner, Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter’s statement

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, said: “ Many second-hand appliances may seem like a cost-effective choice but could pose serious risks if they are faulty. Always check that the heater isn’t on a recall list and that it’s being sold by a reputable seller.

“We would recommend that you register your electrical appliances, as that means you’ll be notified if any faults are identified with it. Our Fire Investigators have seen the consequences of fires caused by non-compliant and counterfeit heaters that have been recalled due to safety concerns.

“It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure these items are in good working order. If you are using these items around children and pets, always supervise them carefully and place heaters somewhere where they won’t be accidentally knocked over and away from anything that could catch fire.

“Be careful that trailing leads don’t cause an additional hazard. Many portable heaters have shutoff features that prevent the appliance from overheating and that automatically switch off the heater if it is knocked over.

“If you’re considering using an older heater, check that it is in good condition. If it sparks, has loose or damaged wires, missing safety guards or other visible damage, it’s safer to replace it or have it tested and repaired by a qualified electrician.”

Firefighters’ tips for using portable heaters

  • Make sure heaters are well maintained and in good working order. 
  • Check that your heater isn’t on a recall list – there have been many fires in the past year connected to heaters that have been recalled.  
  • Register your old and new appliances, so that you’ll be notified if there any faults identified with it
  • Never install, repair or service appliances yourself.  
  • Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. 
  • Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair. 
  • Before attempting to move your heater, turn it off and allow it to cool first. 

London Fire Brigade warn of the risk of heaters: Summary

The London Fire Brigade have spoken out in support of Register My Appliance Week, after attending a record number of heating-related fires in the last month.

Chemical cocktails created by cleaning products are impacting Londoners safety says Fire Brigade

by Featured NewsSafety

By accidentally combining common household cleaners, Londoners are putting themselves at risk as they create dangerous chemical cocktails. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has highlighted how the combination of common cleaning products can trigger a chemical reaction and unleash dangerous fumes.

Since 2023, the LFB has responded to over 150 incidents involving cleaning chemicals that have triggered a dangerous reaction. Chemical incidents require the Brigade to deploy specially trained and equipped officers to identify and deal with these dangerous combinations. 

A chemical incident will trigger a larger response from the LFB, this is due to the need to send specialist hazardous material crews to the scene, alongside responding firefighters. These specialist crews are trained to identity the chemicals and the risk they pose.

The Fire Brigade’s Group Commander, Matt Hayward’s statement

The Fire Brigade’s Group Commander Matt Hayward, is warning Londoners to always read the labels and instructions on your cleaning products. He said: “Always follow the instructions on the container to ensure you are using your cleaning products safely. People often think that cleaning products will be twice as effective when mixed, but it can be a recipe for disaster.”

“If you do accidentally mix chemicals and start to feel unwell, make sure you leave your property immediately and stay out whilst you call 999 for assistance. We have crews that are trained and equipped to deal with these incidents, so we are ready to help if required.” 

Santosh’s story

In one incident highlighted by the LFB, Santosh Karma, an IT worker in Canary Wharf, was exposed to dangerous gases after mixing two common cleaning products. This caused a dangerous chemical reaction at his house in Plumstead, leading to the ambulance and LFB being called to the scene.

Santosh recalled: “I poured bleach into the wash basin, toilet and the bath. I then used a drain cleaner. The mixture then started to produce gases and as I continued cleaning the bathroom I began to have trouble breathing and started coughing. I opened the small bathroom window, but it didn’t help.

“After a few minutes I was struggling to breathe. I went to my bedroom, opened the window and hung out to breathe in fresh air. It was scary not being able to breathe properly and it felt like it was having a serious impact on my health. 

“When the ambulance crew arrived, there were firefighters in breathing apparatus too. I was surprised to see London Fire Brigade at our house, but the ambulance crews had called them. 

Santosh also commented on how important the firefighters presence where during the incident and what they did to ensure his home was a same environment again. He remembered how: “The firefighters checked the air quality in our house to make sure it was all ok for everyone to return inside. The ambulance crew took me to hospital for checks. I did some blood tests and fortunately everything was ok. “

The impact of chemical cocktails created by cleaning products on Londoners safety: Summary

The Fire Brigade have discussed what they recognise to be an increased number of Londoners creating dangerous chemical cocktails through using a variety of common cleaning products.