New figures released by London Fire Brigade (LFB) show that firefighters rescued 2,455 people between April 2025 and March 2026, an average of seven people every day.

From high-rise building fires and road traffic collisions to lift rescues and water incidents on the Thames, firefighters responded to a wide range of emergencies across the capital, using specialist skills and equipment to bring people to safety.

Fire rescues increase

During the 12-month period, firefighters rescued 247 people from fires, representing an 18% increase compared with the previous financial year.

Crews carried out rescues across 44 different categories of emergency, with July 2025 recording the highest monthly total at 258 rescues.

According to LFB, the most common incidents involved people who had collapsed behind locked doors, accounting for 1,050 rescues. A further 379 people were rescued from lifts.

One of the most significant fire rescues took place in Perivale, where firefighters brought five people to safety following an e-bike fire in a ground-floor flat. In Havering, crews rescued nine people who had become trapped in a lift at a commercial premises.

Fire investigation and arson response

Alongside its operational response role, London Fire Brigade is responsible for investigating the causes of fires through its Fire Investigation Team.

Since the arson attack on Hatzolah Ambulances in March, the Brigade has attended seven targeted arson incidents. LFB has also worked with organisations including the Community Security Trust following an attack on a synagogue in Kenton.

“Respond swiftly and with exceptional skill”
Jonathan Smith, Commissioner of London Fire said: “Firefighters across London are called to apply their specialist skills to rescue an average of seven people a day from challenging and often unpredictable situations.

“Last year, more than 2,400 people were brought to safety – from fires, medical emergencies, chemical spills, water rescues and countless unusual incidents.

“These figures demonstrate not only the scale of the demands placed on our firefighters, but also their technical expertise and commitment to public safety.”

He continued: “This vital work is only possible with the continued support we receive from the Mayor of London, which enables us to maintain our capabilities and provide the best possible service to our communities.

“As new risks and challenges arise, we continue to develop our emergency response.

“Working alongside our partners in the police and ambulance services, we’re committed to making London safe for all its communities.

“Whether someone is in need at a fire, has collapsed behind a locked door, is stuck in a lift, Londoners can be confident that our firefighters will respond swiftly and with exceptional skill,” Smith concluded.

Specialist rescue capability

The Brigade reported that incidents involving people collapsed behind locked doors were the most common type of rescue undertaken during 2025/26, with firefighters assisting almost three people each day, often in support of the London Ambulance Service.

Firefighters also responded to a range of non-fire emergencies, including chemical incidents, water rescues and other specialist rescue operations.

The average rescue operation lasted one hour and three minutes, although durations varied significantly. While some incidents were resolved within minutes, the longest rescue operation, involving a flat fire, continued for 23 hours.

To maintain operational readiness, firefighters regularly undertake specialist training exercises. During the past year, this included Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA) training in Colchester, chemical incident exercises on the Elizabeth Line, and aircraft and road traffic collision scenarios conducted with RAF Northolt.

The Brigade also shared expertise and best practice in managing complex incidents with international partners, including NATO and the US State Department.

“A safer London for everyone”
Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, said: “Every day, London’s firefighters are responding to emergencies across the city and running towards danger.

“Whether it’s life-threatening fires, medical emergencies or complex rescue situations, their courageous actions save lives.

“These new figures highlight the vital and varied work they do and the Mayor and I will continue to ensure the Brigade have the funding and support needed to build a safer London for everyone,” Pipe concluded.

Protecting London

London Fire Brigade operates 142 fire engines from 103 fire stations and is supported by a range of specialist resources, including aerial appliances, Fire Rescue Units, Urban Search and Rescue teams, drone teams and fireboats.

All London firefighters are trained in the Brigade’s Marauding Terrorist Attack response capability, enabling them to work alongside police and ambulance services in high-risk and complex operational environments.

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