P2-35 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Consider higher power radios for breathing apparatus

Recommendation

That fire and rescue services that continue to use low power intrinsically safe radios as part of breathing apparatus consider reserving them only for situations in which there is a real risk of igniting flammable gases and generally using radios of higher power, particularly in high-rise buildings. (113.59)

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) developed assurance workshops, with six fire and rescue services having completed them and ten more scheduled for completion by Autumn 2026. A learning case report was compiled, and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) completed its dual-function radio rollout and associated training, with over 90% completion for four e-learning modules (Gov.uk progress update, 1 February 2026).
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 24 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted
Accepted National Fire Chiefs Council
26 Feb 2025

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) accepts this recommendation on behalf of all fire and rescue services. NFCC is surveying fire and rescue services to understand what arrangements are currently in place at a local level and what national support could be put in place to support services to meet this recommendation. The NFCC will produce a delivery plan by the end of April 2025 to set out what actions it will take as a result.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Feb 2026

NFCC developed assurance workshops; six services completed, ten scheduled with completion target Autumn 2026. Learning case report compiled. LFB completed dual function radio rollout with training; four e-learning modules exceed 90% completion.

Source
Source
Inquiry Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Report Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report 04 Sep 2024
View Source
Responsible Bodies
National Fire Chiefs Council Primary
Themes & Tags
Emergency responder equipment training Fire risk assessment failures Fire Service Communication Equipment
Recommendation age 1.5 yrs
Last formal update 01 Feb 2026