London heritage sites face fire risk due to LFB resource gaps

London's most historic buildings are vulnerable to significant fire damage because the London Fire Brigade (LFB) does not have adequate resources to assess and protect them, City Hall has been warned. In 2025, 823 fire incidents were recorded in or within 15 metres of a heritage site across the capital.

These structures, often built centuries ago, frequently do not meet current fire safety regulations. Recent fires at Battersea Arts Centre in 2015, St Mark's church in St John’s Wood in 2023, and Somerset House in 2024 underscore the ongoing threat.

Resource limitations hinder assessment

Professor José L. Torero, Head of Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering at UCL and a Fire Safety Engineer, told the London Assembly Fire Committee that the LFB's capacity is insufficient for the scale of the task. He stated it is not possible for the brigade to provide the necessary service with the resources they have. Professor Torero likened the challenge of assessing complex and unique buildings, such as the Houses of Parliament or Westminster Abbey, to trying to cover the sun with one's hands, suggesting the expertise required exceeds the LFB's current modest capacity.

Charles Harris, National Fire Adviser for Historic England, noted that the fire service's limited resources mean their focus is often on buildings posing an immediate risk to life, such as care homes and hospitals. Consequently, landmark heritage buildings are likely to experience longer waits for fire service orders. Professor Torero also commented that little has changed in London since the Notre Dame fire, indicating a lack of significant learning or adaptation.

LFB promotes prevention and engagement

An LFB spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that prevention is considered the most effective method for safeguarding London's historic and culturally significant buildings. The brigade actively collaborates with owners, occupiers, and partner agencies to reduce fire risks and enhance resilience across the capital's heritage estate. This engagement includes fire safety officers working with those responsible for historic buildings to promote effective safety measures, share specialist guidance, and encourage robust emergency and salvage planning.

The LFB also conducts familiarisation visits and salvage exercises at heritage sites to prepare firefighters for potential incidents. The spokesperson emphasised that protecting heritage buildings is a shared responsibility involving building owners, premises managers, local authorities, and fire and rescue services. The LFB stated it regularly reviews its resources, training, and priorities to align with risks and demand, including the specific needs of heritage sites.

The brigade encourages building managers to maintain up-to-date salvage plans that identify priority actions and items for protection or recovery during a fire.