London Fire Brigade Commissioner sets 2026 priorities in New Year message
Iain Hoey
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London Fire Brigade details 2026 plans for London buildings and evacuation strategies
London Fire Brigade Commissioner Jonathan Smith has issued a New Year message setting out operational priorities for 2026, published on 01/01/2026.
Smith’s statement reflects on events during 2025, outlines current risk areas and describes planned work through 2026.
He also marked 2026 as the 160th year since the Brigade was founded.
Fatalities recalled after Bicester fire
Smith referenced the deaths of London Fire Brigade Leading Firefighter Martyn Sadler, firefighter Jennie Logan and member of the public Dave Chester at a warehouse fire in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
He said the Brigade’s thoughts remained with their families and friends.
Jonathan Smith, London Fire Brigade Commissioner, said: “As we enter the new year, I’d like to thank our firefighters, control officers and staff for their service, working hard to keep London safe every day, particularly those who have worked throughout the Christmas period taking time away from their families.
“The UK Fire and Rescue Service had a challenging year in 2025, as we experienced the tragic loss of our London Fire Brigade colleague Leading Firefighter Martyn Sadler, alongside fellow firefighter Jennie Logan, and member of the public, Dave Chester, at a warehouse fire in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
“Our thoughts remain with their families and friends.”
Terror threat training and civil defence role
Smith said the Brigade completed the rollout of its Marauding Terrorist Attack response capability early in 2025.
He described the training as enabling the Brigade to deploy rescue capability alongside police and ambulance service partners in high threat incidents.
Smith said the message referenced an attack at a synagogue in Manchester and other international incidents as reminders to be prepared for similar threats in London.
Wildfires, specialist vehicles and land management
Smith said the Brigade experienced the highest number of wildfires since the extreme heatwaves of 2022 during summer 2025.
He said a trial of four Wildfire Vehicles showed the benefit specialist vehicles can make when responding across outer London.
Smith said the Brigade has now purchased those vehicles.
He said the Brigade will keep exploring new vehicles, equipment and tactics ahead of summer 2026.
He also said the Brigade would continue working with local authorities across the capital on firebreaks and land management practices intended to reduce wildfire impact.
Lithium battery risk and built environment concerns
Smith said lithium batteries remained one of the fastest growing fire risks in London.
He said the Brigade has worked with the Government and advised on regulation of unsafe, poor quality or non-compliant lithium battery products sold on online marketplaces.
Smith said work in 2026 would include the Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign and efforts to identify risks posed by new and emerging technologies.
He also said more than 1,500 buildings in London still had a changed evacuation strategy due to fire safety concerns.
Grenfell recommendations and service improvements
Smith said the Brigade would remain focused during 2026 on improving and delivering a service fit for purpose for a modern global city.
He said this would include making improvements identified in recommendations from Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry targeted at both London Fire Brigade and fire and rescue services more widely.