Investigate modern control room to bridgehead communications
The LFB investigate the use of modern communication techniques to provide a direct line of communication between the control room and the bridgehead, allowing information to be transmitted directly between the control room and the bridgehead and providing an integrated system of recording FSG information and the results of deployments.
- LFB Commissioner stated in March 2024 that LFB had completed every recommendation directed to it (LFB Statement, March 2024).
- The government's Phase 1 progress report stated this recommendation is complete, with modern communication techniques for direct communication between the control room and bridgehead now operational (Quarterly Thematic Update, MHCLG, February 2025).
- HMICFRS Round 3 inspection published November 2024 rated LFB "outstanding" for major and multi-agency incident response (HMICFRS London Fire Brigade Inspection Report, November 2024).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government accepted in principle all the Phase 1 recommendations directed at central government. The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick presented the formal response to Parliament on 21 January 2020, committing to swift and decisive action including new duties on building owners and managers to provide information to fire and rescue services, install premises information boxes, conduct regular inspections of lifts and fire doors, and equip buildings with evacuation signal facilities. The government stated it had already taken action in advance of the report and was actively looking beyond the remit of these recommendations.
Progress Timeline
The LFB has reported that this recommendation has been completed. Modern communication techniques for direct communication between the control room and bridgehead have been implemented.
LFB Commissioner Andy Roe announced LFB is "the only organisation to have completed every recommendation directed specifically to them." Key achievements: revised FSG policy, new MSA breathing apparatus with voice comms, 64m turntable ladders, fire escape hoods saving 200+ lives.
We accept the recommendations in both the Phase 1 Grenfell Report and HMICFRS inspection report.