Summer wildfires: Has London learned the lessons of 2022?
On 19 July 2022, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) faced its “busiest day since World War Two” as fires broke out across London – resulting in the service responding to over 350 incidents.
The LFB’s review of their response found that staff shortages, unavailability of Personal Protective Equipment, and the lack of a dedicated Wildfire Tactical Advisor had all hampered its ability to respond effectively.
Following the review, the LFB said it had worked to “determine how we can improve and be as best-prepared to tackle this ever-growing risk head-on”.
With extreme weather events becoming increasingly common and driving up the risk posed by wildfires, the London Assembly Fire Committee will hear from international and local experts, and the LFB, to find out whether the lessons of two years ago really have been learned.
The guests from 10-10.50am are:
- Luis Rincón – Inspector of Operations, Comunidad de Madrid Fire Brigade
- Mikko Sastamoinen – Chairman, Commission for Extrication and New Technology, International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF)
- Petri Lytinnen – Executive Fire Officer, East-Uusimaa Rescue Service
- Marc Castellnou – Incident commander at the Catalan Fire Service
The guests from 11-11.50am are:
- Gareth Cook – London Regional Organiser, Fire Brigades Union
- Chris May – Group Commander, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
- Matthew Oakley – National Tactical Advisor for Wildfire, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
- Marli Holland – Rural Affairs Officer, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
The guests from 12-12.50am are:
- Charlie Pugsley – Deputy Commissioner / Director of Prevention, Protection and Operational Policy, LFB
- Jonathan Smith – Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Preparedness and Response, LFB
The meeting will take place on Thursday 11 July from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
Notes to editors
- Read the agenda in full.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
- Hina Bokhari AM, Chair of the Fire Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Fire Committee.
For media enquiries, please contact Josh Hunt on 07763 252310 or at [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.