Fire safety
Fire safety in kitchens
Fires in kitchen and cooking areas are very common, often resulting in extensive damage to the premises and disruption to the business.
Withdrawal of London Fire Brigade response to commercial buildings activations – An insurers view
30 July 2024
London Fire Brigade has advised that from 1 October 2024, they will not attend activations from automatic fire alarms in most non-residential buildings such as office blocks or industrial estates during daytime hours (7am to 8:30pm).
The London Fire Brigade will only respond if they receive a call reporting a fire. Many other Fire and Rescue Services across the UK have already introduced some form of restricted response.
During 2023 – 2024 many calls from commercial premises were recorded as false alarms. Quite sensibly, they wish to reallocate the time spent on supporting communities with fire prevention and focusing resources on responding to genuine activations.
The Brigade has stated that some occupations fall outside this change. A full list of exempt premises can be found on their website.
What should you do next?
If your premises are included in the exemption list, the caller should relay this information when making a 999 call to the brigade.
If the building's occupation is not included in the exemption list, it is important that you review your existing fire safety arrangements, including your fire risk assessment. It is recommended that you consider the following:
- Staff may require additional training as they may be allocated new tasks in the event of an alarm activation. Regular people training is critical, and this must be recorded.
- Different responses will be required depending on whether the activation occurs during or outside business hours.
- It is important that building occupants are aware of how to respond should a fire be discovered and dial 999 without delay.
- Ensure people understand the messages on the fire alarm panel and how to respond.
- It is essential that the automatic fire alarm system is regularly serviced and maintained by an LPS1014 Certificated Fire Detection and Alarm System firm or an installer accredited under the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) adopted SP203 scheme. This will greatly help to reduce the risk of false alarms occurring.
- If your automatic fire alarm and detection system is connected to the BT Redcare Classic system, please check with your alarm maintenance provider for alternative arrangements once the service is withdrawn. You can read more on the BT Redcare website.
- The fire alarm system installed on the premises must be tested weekly and a test log maintained.
- You should hold regular fire drills so that all staff members and volunteers are aware of the correct procedures to follow if an emergency evacuation becomes necessary.