The Fire Committee convened to discuss the critical issue of managing fire risks in London's landmark heritage buildings. Key concerns raised included the adequacy of prevention measures, the challenges of balancing heritage conservation with fire safety, and the effectiveness of current legislation. The committee heard from experts and heritage site representatives about the lessons learned from past fires, the complexities of managing fire risk during renovations, and the vital role of fire risk assessments and strategies.

Managing Fire Risk in London's Landmark Heritage Buildings

The meeting focused extensively on the significant fire risks facing London's heritage buildings, with experts highlighting that fire is the greatest single risk to our cultural heritage¹. The discussion underscored that many of these buildings, often designed before modern fire safety standards, possess inherent vulnerabilities such as old doors, hidden voids, and poor compartmentalisation. These factors, combined with the increasing threat of climate change leading to more extreme weather events, elevate the risk of fires becoming catastrophic.

Professor José L. Torero, Head of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at University College London, emphasised that while prevention measures for fires starting are generally well-handled, the management of fires once they have begun and the identification of weak points within these historic structures are areas requiring significant improvement. He noted that current legislation, while stronger since the Grenfell Tower fire, still presents challenges in balancing conservation with fire safety, particularly during renovation and restoration phases. The competency of professionals involved in designing fire safety strategies and management plans was repeatedly identified as a crucial factor, with a call for a more robust and regulated competency framework.

Charles Harris, National Fire Adviser for Historic England, stressed the difficulty in finding contractors with the necessary heritage skills, highlighting a skills shortage in the UK. He noted that while modern construction skills are taught, heritage construction techniques are not adequately covered in college curricula, making it increasingly challenging to find competent tradespeople who can ensure safety on site. This lack of skilled contractors poses a significant risk during renovation works, as substandard work can compromise a building's fire safety.

The effectiveness of fire risk assessments was also a key topic. It was argued that without an appropriate fire safety strategy, a truly effective risk assessment is not possible. The discussion highlighted that many heritage sites lack comprehensive fire strategies, and even where they exist, the competency of the individuals carrying out the assessments is paramount. The need for a stronger competency framework was reiterated, with concerns raised that there are currently no formal standards for those conducting fire risk assessments, meaning anyone could theoretically set up such a business.

The London Fire Brigade's (LFB) heritage team was discussed, with experts suggesting that while the team is aware of heritage issues, its resources are insufficient to address the complexity and sheer number of heritage buildings in London. The need for dedicated funding and resourcing for a stable workforce within the LFB's heritage team was strongly advocated. It was suggested that a dedicated heritage officer and team within the LFB, with a clear policy and procedure, would enable more effective support and engagement with heritage owners.

The importance of familiarisation visits and exercises for the LFB was also stressed. These visits allow firefighters to understand the unique layouts and challenges of heritage buildings, which is crucial for an effective response. However, it was noted that due to resource constraints, such exercises are infrequent. The need for more auditing and potentially increasing the predetermined attendance level for Grade 1 and Grade 2 star listed buildings was also raised to ensure adequate resources are deployed swiftly in the event of a fire.

Salvage plans, designed to recover precious items in the event of a fire, were discussed, with experts agreeing on their importance. However, it was acknowledged that their effectiveness is heavily dependent on the magnitude of the disaster and the ability to implement them quickly. The focus remains on prevention and minimising the impact of fires, rather than solely relying on salvage efforts.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on the need for increased investment, better resourcing, and enhanced collaboration between heritage organisations, the LFB, and central government to effectively manage the significant fire risks facing London's landmark heritage buildings.