Southwark’s firefighters and Fire Safety Officers recently spent the day at Borough Market, engaging with the community and local businesses on key fire safety risks facing the area.
Last year, Southwark had the most residential dwelling fires in London leading the Borough Team to target fire safety messaging to businesses with residents living in accommodation above.
As part of the day firefighters set up interactive stalls at Borough Market to warn the public about the risks of lithium-ion batteries and staying safe in hot weather alongside other safety advice, including information about the Brigade’s Home Fire Safety Checker and living above businesses.
Alongside this Fire Safety Officers visited around 150 businesses with residential accommodation above in the Borough Market area.
Southwark Borough Commander, Daniel Capon, said: “This event has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the positive work being carried out by London Fire Brigade and our partner agencies. Held at one of Southwark’s most iconic venues, it allowed our firefighters to connect directly with the community and raise awareness about fire safety in a meaningful way.
“Our crews engaged with a wide range of residents, offering tailored advice on how to stay safe from fire risks in the home. Meanwhile, our Fire Safety Officers worked closely with local businesses, providing guidance on how to protect their premises and the people living above them.
“Unfortunately, we still come across unsafe conditions in some commercial properties that could put lives at risk — particularly those living in flats above shops. Events like this are vital in helping us reduce those risks and ensure safer communities.
“We continue to remind business owners of the importance of maintaining proper fire separation between commercial and residential areas. This includes keeping shared escape routes clear of obstructions, especially flammable materials, and sealing any gaps that could allow smoke to spread. Where possible, residents should have a separate, protected means of escape in case of emergency.
“We’re grateful to Borough Market and Southwark Council for their support in making this event a success. Their collaboration is a great example of how working together can make a real difference in keeping Londoners safe.”
Since 2024, Southwark firefighters have completed 1,532 Home Fire Safety Visits, reaching 3,484 residents, over 2,200 of whom live in flats.
Firefighters carry out fire safety checks across London every day and concerns can be escalated to the Brigade’s Fire Safety Officers.
A group stood smiling in front of a fire engine.
London Fire Brigade’s Area Fire Safety Manager, Ben Dewis, said: “Recently we hosted a similar initiative at The Glades Shopping Centre in Bromley and saw the positive impact on businesses and the public.
“These events are a great opportunity to work alongside our operational colleagues, sharing fire safety knowledge, upskilling firefighters, and developing our own staff.
“It’s this kind of collaboration that helps us build safer communities across London.”
You can find more advice about living above business premises on the Brigade’s website.
Stephen Shirley, Head of Operations at Borough Market, said: "The safety of our traders, visitors and residents is always a top priority for us, so we were pleased to support this day of action.
“It was great to see London Fire Brigade engaging with the public and our community of traders, offering practical advice and raising awareness of key fire safety issues. We’re proud to play a part in helping to keep this historic market safe."
Councillor Sarah King, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We’re proud to have supported this important day of action with the London Fire Brigade at Borough Market. With so many Southwark residents living in homes above shops and other businesses, fire safety advice must reach both business owners and residents alike.
“We are investing £250 million over the next three years to improve the health and safety of our own homes, including significant work on fire and electrical work to bring all our homes up to standard. Since the start of 2024, we’ve installed 2,850 smoke alarms and checked the electrical safety of 6,300 homes, and we seek to do the same in all 37,000 of our council homes."
Fire doors and escape routes
- If there is shared access, fire doors should separate commercial units and people's homes.
- These doors should be proper fire doors, and should be kept closed – not propped open for extra ventilation or storage
- Your neighbours shouldn't store rubbish or supplies in your access or escape route.
Signs to watch out for
- If the gas or electricity supply meters are under the stairs to your flat or bedsit and in a cupboard that isn't fire protected or is used for storage.
- Having electrical cables and gas supply pipes, and meters running in the entrance and stairs such that you can see them – if there is a fire in the property, it could get larger as these pipes are exposed to heat and flame.
- Having a Shisha area or other smoking area under a canopy at the rear of the commercial premises. If coals or cigarette ends are not properly extinguished, they can catch the canopy alight, allowing fire and smoke spread up the external façade of the premises.
- Excessive storage of flammable items (think tyres and refuse) in the rear area or gardens.