Firefighters practise historic buildings response

There were 282 fires at historic buildings between July 2024 and June 2025

Firefighters have practised their response skills at a historic building after data revealed there were 282 fires at such properties in London within the last year.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said its figures - for between July 2024 and June 2025 - highlight the importance of emergency plans being in place at heritage sites across the capital.

Crews worked on their skills, focusing on rescue and salvage operations, in a training exercise at the Royal Academy of Music in Marylebone.

A fire broke out at London's Somerset House last August. LFB said crews prioritised life-saving procedures, followed by salvage operations to protect the national heritage landmark.

Mark Huntington, LFB's heritage coordinator, said: "As London's rescue service, our priority is always to preserve life, then the building and its contents.

"If you have pre-prepared plans, and know your building, you'll protect lives, utilise valuable time and save more of your building and its contents."

Fire crews tested their emergency response skills at the Royal Academy of Music

Crews from Hendon, Kentish Town and West Hampstead fire stations, alongside a command unit from Park Royal Fire Station, attended the mock incident at the Grade II listed building situated near Regent's Park.

Station Commander Adam Lawson said: "This exercise with the Royal Academy of Music was an excellent opportunity to ensure we can effectively preserve items of historical significance."

Dean of Students at the academy, Elizabeth Kenny, said: "We found the collaboration very productive and valuable, from first contact to preparing and delivering the exercise across our heritage site."