The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has completed all actions required of it in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations, marking a further step in its programme of reform following the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017.

The latest work focuses on strengthening organisational learning, firefighter communications and training, with the aim of supporting safer and more effective operational responses.

It builds on the changes introduced following Phase 1 of the Inquiry. In 2024, the LFB confirmed that it had completed all recommendations directed specifically to the Brigade in the Phase 1 Report, which led to changes across operational policies, incident command, training, emergency call handling, communications and equipment.

Strengthening organisational learning

A key area of the Phase 2 work has been the LFB’s approach to organisational learning.

Drawing on good practice from sectors including healthcare and aviation, the Brigade has introduced new arrangements designed to ensure that lessons arising from operational incidents, inquests and investigations are identified, shared and translated into practical improvements.

Significant incidents are now prioritised to enable risk-critical learning to be communicated more quickly to operational staff. The LFB says this will help crews respond to emerging risks and apply learning to future incidents.

Enhanced firefighter communications and training

The Brigade has also undertaken work to strengthen the resilience of firefighter communications at incidents, particularly in high-rise buildings.

This includes enhanced training to help firefighters respond to and recover from a loss of communications during an incident.

Training relating to water supplies has also been strengthened, with a greater focus on firefighters’ understanding of water supply systems and hydrants, as well as techniques for increasing water flow and pressure during major incidents.

The Phase 2 measures follow a wider programme of changes introduced by the LFB after the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 Report, supported by investment from the Mayor of London.

These changes have included the introduction of breathing apparatus incorporating radio communications, intended to improve communications between crews during emergencies, as well as measures to strengthen communications between London’s emergency services.

The Brigade has also introduced 64-metre turntable ladders and developed the capability to receive and store electronic building plans, providing operational crews with additional information when responding to complex and critical incidents.

The completion of the Phase 2 actions represents the latest stage in the LFB’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and its ongoing work to embed learning from the tragedy into operational practice.

Profound moment

London’s Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “The Grenfell Tower tragedy was a profound moment for the London Fire Brigade. We remember the 72 people who lost their lives, and our thoughts remain with the bereaved, survivors and everyone whose lives were changed forever by that night.”

Smith continued: “Completing all of the remaining recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry is an important milestone for the Brigade. The changes that we’ve implemented mean that we are now better prepared to respond to incidents. Londoners today are safer as a direct result of those changes. We will continue working with our partners across Government and the Fire and Rescue Service sector in order to ensure the lessons of Grenfell are learned and continue to shape everything we do.”

*Further information is available online at www.london-fire.gov.uk

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