London Fire Brigade releases new rescue data

New data from the London Fire Brigade has revealed that firefighters rescued 2,455 people between April 2025 and March 2026, averaging at seven people per day.

From fires in high-rise buildings and multi-vehicle collisions to rescues from lifts and the Thames, firefighters used their technical expertise to rescue Londoners in numerous situations across the capital.

Fire rescues in London

Firefighters rescued 247 people from fires over the 12-month period – an 18% increase on the previous financial year.

During the year, crews carried out rescues from 44 different types of emergencies across London, with July 2025 recording the highest number of rescues at 258.

According to the Brigade, the most common rescues involved people collapsed behind locked doors, with 1,050 people helped, followed by 379 rescues from lifts.

The fire with the most rescues occurred in Perivale, where crews brought five people to safety following an e-bike fire in a ground floor flat.

In Havering, firefighters rescued nine people trapped in a lift at a commercial property.

Arson attacks

As London’s rescue service, the Brigade is also responsible for investigating the causes of fires across the capital through its Fire Investigation Team.

Since the arson attack on the Hatzolah Ambulances in March, the Brigade has responded to seven targeted arson incidents.

The Brigade has also worked with organisations including 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.

Rescue training and incidents

The Brigade found that the most common rescue carried out in 2025/26 involved people collapsed behind locked doors, with firefighters helping nearly three people a day, often in support of the London Ambulance Service.

Firefighters also regularly respond to special service incidents where no fire is involved, including chemical incidents and water rescues.

The average rescue took one hour and three minutes, although some lasted only minutes while the longest, involving a flat fire, continued for 23 hours.

Firefighters regularly train for specialist rescue scenarios.

In the last year, the Brigade said that it has carried out Marauding Terrorist Attack training in Colchester, chemical incident training on the Elizabeth Line and aircraft and road traffic collision exercises with RAF Northolt.

The Brigade also shared expertise on responding to complex incidents with 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.

The London Fire Brigade

The Brigade operates 142 fire engines across 103 fire stations, supported by specialist resources including aerial appliances, Fire Rescue Units, Urban Search and Rescue Teams, drone teams and fireboats.

Every London firefighter is also trained in the Brigade’s Marauding Terrorist Attack response capability, allowing crews to work alongside police and ambulance services in high-risk environments.