Implementation of Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 Recommendations Completed

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has announced that it has completed all 29 recommendations from Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry indicating a “significant” improvement in its standards.

Some of the recommendations listed in the 2019 report included the need for enhanced cooperation between LFB, the Metropolitan Police Service, and the London Ambulance Service and obtaining equipment that would enable firefighters wearing helmets and breathing apparatus to communicate with the bridgehead effectively, including when operating in high-rise buildings.

Regarding its improvements, the Brigade confirmed it had made changes to its training procedure for firefighters, refreshed its processes for managing major incidents, and introduced innovative technology to support firefighting. It had also replaced its entire fleet of high-reach vehicles with 64-metre turntable ladders – the tallest ladders in service across Europe – and successfully implemented the use of escape hoods to protect the public from toxic smoke.

While acknowledging the strides it had made so far, the Brigade promised further changes still, with London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe explaining that there was “still much more to do”:

“We accepted every recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and have been working hard over the past five years to implement significant changes to the way we operate.

“We are the only organisation to have completed every recommendation directed specifically to them and I am proud of the work that staff have put into this…”

He added: “Fundamental change in large, complex organisations takes time and while our transformation programme is safely on track, we are not finished. I’m dedicated to continuing this journey with full commitment so that we can continue to be trusted to serve and protect our capital. 

“These improvements are paving the way forward for further change as we await the next report from Phase 2 of the Inquiry. We owe it to the bereaved families, the survivors, the residents of Grenfell Tower and Londoners to change and improve.”

Recognising the LFB’s efforts, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Following City Hall’s significant investment, the LFB’s new equipment and protocols will help save lives. I welcome the significant steps the London Fire Brigade have taken to transform the way in which it responds to incidents, and high-rise building fires in particular.

“But there is more to do, and it is vital that the Government steps up along with housing and building industries to act now and ban combustible materials in external walls no matter their height and provide funding support for those unfairly saddled with large costs to remediate unsafe cladding. It’s vital that all possible steps are taken now to prevent another tragedy.”

This latest news from LFB follows another welcome announcement made by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), when it confirmed that the LFB had been removed from its enhanced monitoring stage, known as Engage. It was moved there in December 2022, after it was revealed that the Brigade had not been effectively addressing the inspectorate’s concerns regarding staff values and workplace culture. On 6 March 2024, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services Andy Cooke said he was “pleased” with the progress the LFB had made so far and was “reassured” by its plans to “continue making improvements”.

(Photograph by the London Fire Brigade)