- London Fire Brigade teams engaged with 80 businesses on North End Road in Fulham last month to improve understanding of fire safety responsibilities and compliance with fire safety legislation
- Firefighters, Fire Cadets and Fire Safety officers delivered home fire safety advice to residents, workers and visitors throughout the day
- The Active Risk Target Day strengthened partnership working between borough teams, local authorities and operational crews while supporting community safety.
London Fire Brigade joined local authority partners for a targeted day of fire safety activity on North End Road in Fulham last month, engaging with 80 businesses and hundreds of members of the public.
The Active Risk Target Day focused on helping businesses better understand their responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, while also raising awareness of home fire safety among residents, workers and visitors.
North End Road was identified as a busy high street where direct engagement with businesses could make a significant impact. Working with the Borough Management team and supported by Fire Cadets and crews from Fulham and Hammersmith fire stations, firefighters and specialist Fire Safety officers visited businesses across the area, such as pubs, shops, restaurants and hotels to provide tailored guidance and practical advice on meeting fire safety requirements.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places legal responsibilities on business owners and those in control of premises to manage fire risks and protect occupants. During visits, firefighters and Fire Safety officers looked at measures such as escape routes, fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors and fire risk assessments, while providing advice on how businesses can maintain compliance and improve safety standards.
Crews also worked alongside Fire Safety Inspecting Officers and advisors during visits to local premises, giving operational staff valuable firsthand experience of fire safety inspections. Where concerns or potential risks were identified, follow-up visits were arranged to support business owners in meeting their regulatory responsibilities, with full fire safety audits scheduled where necessary.
Alongside business visits, teams spoke with members of the public throughout the day, sharing advice on reducing common fire risks in the home and staying safe.
Active Risk Target Days allow Fire Safety teams to focus on specific local risks while creating opportunities for operational crews, specialist officers and partner organisations to work more closely together.
Group Commander Sami Goldbrom said: “Our Active Risk Target Day on North End Road was a valuable opportunity to work directly with businesses and the local community to promote fire safety.
“By bringing together borough teams, local authority partners, Fire Cadets and crews from Fulham and Hammersmith fire stations, we were able to provide practical guidance, support businesses in understanding their responsibilities and strengthen our engagement with the community.
“Reaching 80 businesses in a single day highlights the value of partnership working in helping to keep people safe.”
Councillor Zarar Qayyum, H&F Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Skills, said: “We want to make Hammersmith and Fulham the best place to live, work and socialise.
“Helping local entrepreneurs and business owners to enhance their fire safety measures and keep residents safe with London Fire Brigade is just one of the ways we’re doing that with our partners.
“We will continue to work with local businesses on North End Road to boost the popular high street and historic market as we make Hammersmith and Fulham a stronger, safer and kinder borough.”
Borough Commander for Hammersmith and Fulham, Lucy MacLeod said: “Keeping people safe is most effective when local agencies work together. The recent Active Risk Target Day demonstrates how a coordinated approach to prevention can help reduce risk and improve fire safety across the Borough.”
More guidance for businesses can be found on London Fire Brigade’s website.
