The investigation

The London Assembly is investigating whether the fire risk to the capital's landmark heritage buildings is being well managed, after a series of high-profile blazes at historic sites.

The Assembly's Fire Committee launched the investigation in October, aiming to understand the key fire risks facing heritage buildings, identify barriers to improving their fire safety, and assess how prepared the London Fire Brigade (LFB) is to respond when they catch fire.

Why heritage buildings are at particular risk

Historic buildings were generally designed long before modern fire engineering standards existed, and most do not meet current regulations. Guidance from the brigade and heritage experts says protecting people while preserving a building's historic character requires a balanced approach, weighing fire safety against conservation.

The committee points to several recent fires, including at Battersea Arts Centre in 2015, at Grade II*-listed St Mark's church in St John's Wood in 2023, and at Somerset House in 2024. Historic England's national fire adviser has described fire as the greatest single risk to the country's cultural heritage.

What the inquiry will examine

The investigation will evaluate the effectiveness of the brigade's fire prevention and protection work for heritage buildings. The LFB has a dedicated heritage team that advises historic sites on fire protection, helps them draw up salvage plans for recovering precious items after a fire, and runs training drills and exercises with historic venues.

The committee has opened a call for evidence, welcoming submissions from owners and managers of listed buildings, heritage organisations, fire and rescue services and firefighters. The deadline for submissions is Friday 13 November 2026, with findings expected to shape recommendations for owners, the brigade and City Hall.

Sources: London Assembly