People who live and work in London are being encouraged to get involved and give their feedback on London Fire Brigade’s Community Risk Management Plan.
The plan, Your London Fire Brigade, sets out how the Brigade intends to change and improve to meet the needs of communities across the capital from 2023, and beyond. The consultation launched this week on Talk London and closes on Monday 25 July.
This is our first London plan since the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. It acknowledges that much has already changed in London Fire Brigade, but that we owe it to the bereaved and survivors, all Londoners and our staff to do much more.
This consultation follows engagement with communities over the last year and the first phase of consultation last autumn. Using feedback from that we have developed this plan to prevent and protect Londoners from risks and danger.
The Brigade is adopting four new pillars which focus on London’s communities: engaging with you, protecting you, learning from you and representing you. These pillars are supported by eight commitments, each of which will deliver a number of key projects and activities.
Your London Fire Brigade
Examples of how the Brigade will meet its commitments include:
The plan builds on changes that the Brigade has made in recent years. New 32 metre and 64 metre turntable ladders have been rolled out for use across London to manage incidents in high-rise buildings. Fire escape hoods have been introduced to help people being rescued in smoke-filled environments. To prevent fires and improve safety, a new online Home Fire Safety Checker has helped thousands of people make their homes safer.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said:
“I have spent more than 20 years in London Fire Brigade and have been present at some of London’s greatest tragedies - the Croydon tram crash, the Grenfell Tower fire, and the multiple terror attacks. In those moments I have witnessed great courage and professionalism from fellow firefighters, often in the face of unimaginable danger. I also saw the unfailing strength of London’s communities, their dignity and generosity, tolerance and kindness.
“This plan was written after many hours spent with Londoners and it also draws on all the Brigades experiences – as we approach our 160th year. It sets out how we want to we change the way we do things to meet the needs and expectations of the communities we serve.
“We want to know what you think, and I encourage everyone to have their say. Only through getting involved can we ensure the views of Londoners are at the centre of this plan to keep our great city safe in the years to come.”
Dr Fiona Twycross, Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a tragedy for our city and we will always remember the 72 people who lost their lives. The Mayor and I have worked closely with the London Fire Brigade and communities across London since that awful night as significant progress has been made by the service.
“The new 'Your London Fire Brigade' strategy reflects this transformation and shows how the Brigade is preparing to continue changing and protecting Londoners. We need your views so that the Brigade can better understand what Londoners want and need from their fire service.”