The London Fire Brigade (LFB) rang in 2025 with a flurry of activity, responding to nearly 400 emergency calls within the first two hours of the New Year. From fires to rescues and road collisions, firefighters worked tirelessly to keep Londoners safe during a demanding 24-hour period.
Busy Start to the Year
Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, who led the Brigade’s New Year operational response, praised the efforts of the LFB team, saying:
“I’d like to thank all of our firefighters, Control Officers, and fire rescue service staff who have been supporting the New Year celebrations across London, working with our partners to keep everyone safe.”
Among the incidents tackled overnight were:
- A flat fire in Notting Hill,
- An outbuilding fire in Camden,
- A house fire in Forest Gate,
- Several smaller fires believed to have involved fireworks.
In Harrow, a tree caught fire on Eastcote Lane late on New Year’s Eve, though no major fires were reported in the borough.
River Rescue at Midnight
One of the standout operations occurred on the River Thames near Millbank, where around 20 people were trapped by the tide at midnight. The LFB dispatched a fire boat from Lambeth River Fire Station, alongside other appliances, and worked with the Coastguard and police to bring everyone to safety. Remarkably, no injuries were reported.
Major Warehouse Fire in Rainham
Earlier on New Year’s Eve, a significant fire broke out at a warehouse on New Road, Rainham, requiring a massive response of 20 fire engines and 125 firefighters.
Assistant Commissioner Nick Davis, who attended the scene, said:
“This was a complex and challenging fire involving several industrial units. I’d like to thank all firefighters and officers who ensured the incident was brought to a safe conclusion, with no injuries reported.”
Firefighting efforts continued through the night, with teams extinguishing hotspots into the following day.
Preparation and Strategy
To ensure a swift response during the celebrations, LFB implemented extensive preparations:
- 14 fire engines and specialist vehicles were strategically positioned across London.
- 19 event officers and 4 fire safety officers were on duty.
- Over 200 fire safety visits were conducted ahead of New Year’s Eve.
Assistant Commissioner Goulbourne highlighted the coordinated effort, stating,
“We worked closely with emergency services and resilience partners ahead of and during the New Year period, ensuring London Fire Brigade was ready to assist those who needed us.”
The Brigade’s swift and effective responses reflected its dedication to public safety during one of the busiest nights of the year. From saving lives on the Thames to containing industrial fires, the LFB once again demonstrated its vital role in protecting Londoners.
