Southwark firefighters lead Borough Market fire safety outreach

Firefighters focus on above-shop fire safety risks

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has reported that Southwark firefighters and Fire Safety Officers held a fire safety awareness event at Borough Market, aimed at residents living above commercial premises and local businesses.

LFB said the focus was prompted by Southwark recording the highest number of residential dwelling fires in London last year.

According to LFB, firefighters set up interactive stalls to address risks linked to lithium-ion batteries, hot weather, and other hazards.

It added that the stalls also promoted the Brigade’s Home Fire Safety Checker and offered information for those living above businesses.

Fire Safety Officers visited around 150 businesses with residential accommodation above in the Borough Market area on the same day.

Firefighters and public engagement

Southwark Borough Commander Daniel Capon said: “This event has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the positive work being carried out by London Fire Brigade and our partner agencies.

“Our crews engaged with a wide range of residents, offering tailored advice on how to stay safe from fire risks in the home.

“Meanwhile, our Fire Safety Officers worked closely with local businesses, providing guidance on how to protect their premises and the people living above them.

“Unfortunately, we still come across unsafe conditions in some commercial properties that could put lives at risk — particularly those living in flats above shops.

“Events like this are vital in helping us reduce those risks and ensure safer communities.

“We continue to remind business owners of the importance of maintaining proper fire separation between commercial and residential areas.

“This includes keeping shared escape routes clear of obstructions, especially flammable materials, and sealing any gaps that could allow smoke to spread.

“Where possible, residents should have a separate, protected means of escape in case of emergency.

“We’re grateful to Borough Market and Southwark Council for their support in making this event a success. Their collaboration is a great example of how working together can make a real difference in keeping Londoners safe.”

Safety checks and inspection data

LFB said Southwark firefighters have carried out 1,532 Home Fire Safety Visits since 2024.

It added that these visits have reached 3,484 residents, more than 2,200 of whom live in flats.

The Brigade stated that firefighters carry out fire safety checks across London daily.

It said that where concerns are identified, these can be referred to Fire Safety Officers for further action.

Collaborative safety initiatives in other boroughs

LFB’s Area Fire Safety Manager Ben Dewis said: “Recently we hosted a similar initiative at The Glades Shopping Centre in Bromley and saw the positive impact on businesses and the public.

“These events are a great opportunity to work alongside our operational colleagues, sharing fire safety knowledge, upskilling firefighters, and developing our own staff.

“It’s this kind of collaboration that helps us build safer communities across London.”

Borough Market and council support

Borough Market’s Head of Operations, Stephen Shirley, said: “The safety of our traders, visitors and residents is always a top priority for us, so we were pleased to support this day of action.

“It was great to see London Fire Brigade engaging with the public and our community of traders, offering practical advice and raising awareness of key fire safety issues.

“We’re proud to play a part in helping to keep this historic market safe.”

Councillor Sarah King, Cabinet Member for Housing at Southwark Council, said: “We’re proud to have supported this important day of action with the London Fire Brigade at Borough Market. With so many Southwark residents living in homes above shops and other businesses, fire safety advice must reach both business owners and residents alike.

“We are investing £250 million over the next three years to improve the health and safety of our own homes, including significant work on fire and electrical work to bring all our homes up to standard.

“Since the start of 2024, we’ve installed 2,850 smoke alarms and checked the electrical safety of 6,300 homes, and we seek to do the same in all 37,000 of our council homes.”

Fire safety guidance for above-shop residences

LFB advises that shared access between commercial and residential units should be separated by proper fire doors that are kept closed.

The Brigade said escape routes should remain free of stored rubbish or supplies.

It stated that exposed gas or electricity meters under stairs without fire protection can increase risk in a fire.

It added that visible electrical cables and gas pipes in entrance areas can make fires more severe if exposed to heat or flame.

LFB also warned against unprotected smoking or Shisha areas under canopies at the rear of commercial premises due to the risk of fire spread up building exteriors.

It said excessive storage of flammable items, such as tyres or refuse, can also pose hazards in rear areas or gardens.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This initiative highlights the ongoing need for targeted fire safety education in areas where residents live above commercial premises.

It demonstrates how data on incident frequency can guide local engagement and inspection strategies.

The work also underlines the importance of collaboration between operational firefighters, specialist Fire Safety Officers, and partner organisations in addressing local risks.

Such events may serve as a model for other jurisdictions aiming to reach mixed-use property occupants with tailored guidance.

Southwark firefighters lead Borough Market fire safety outreach: Summary

Southwark firefighters and Fire Safety Officers held a community fire safety event at Borough Market.

The London Fire Brigade said the focus was on residents living above commercial premises and local businesses.

Interactive stalls covered risks from lithium-ion batteries, hot weather, and home safety checks.

Fire Safety Officers visited around 150 businesses with residential accommodation above.

Southwark Borough Commander Daniel Capon said the event helped address unsafe conditions in commercial properties.

The Brigade said Southwark recorded the highest number of residential dwelling fires in London last year.

Since 2024, firefighters have carried out 1,532 Home Fire Safety Visits in the borough.

These visits reached 3,484 residents, including over 2,200 living in flats.

Similar initiatives have taken place in other London boroughs.

The Borough Market event was supported by Southwark Council and market management.

Council figures show investment of £250 million in housing safety over three years.

The council has installed 2,850 smoke alarms and checked 6,300 homes since 2024.

LFB provided guidance on fire doors, escape routes, and hazard identification.

The advice covered flammable storage, smoking areas, and exposed utilities.

The Brigade said these measures aim to improve safety in mixed-use buildings.