Recently, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been in the news due to a series of significant incidents, including a large fire at the Chiltern Firehouse that required around 125 firefighters to respond, and a blaze in Catford that prompted over 50 emergency calls. Additionally, the ongoing Grenfell Tower inquiry has brought renewed scrutiny to the LFB, as it examines missed opportunities and warnings related to fire safety. The brigade's Commissioner, Andy Roe, has also commented on the challenges faced in accessing certain areas following these fires.
The London Fire Brigade is the statutory fire and rescue service for London, established by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Act of 1865 under Superintendent Eyre Massey Shaw. It is the busiest fire service in the UK, responding to a wide range of emergencies, including fires, rescues, and hazardous incidents. The LFB operates from numerous fire stations across the capital and plays a crucial role in public safety and emergency response in one of the world's largest cities.