London Fire Brigade - Organisation

Organisation

Historically, the London Fire Brigade was organised into two divisions: Northern and Southern, divided in most places by the River Thames and each commanded by a Divisional Officer. Both divisions were divided into three districts, each under a Superintendent with his headquarters at a "superintendent station". The superintendent stations themselves were commanded by District Officers, with the other stations under Station Officers.

However, the brigade is now reformed into five divisions: Northern, Eastern, Western, Southeastern and Southwestern. 21 fire stations are located in the Northern Division and have call signs prefixed "A"; 26 are in the Eastern Division with call signs prefixed "F"; Western Division consists of 21 stations with "G"-prefixed call signs; 22 are under the Southeastern Division with an "E" prefix; and the remaining 22 are based in the Southwestern Division, call signs prefixed "H".

The internal LFB organisation consists of four directorates that all report to the Commissioner. They are:

• Fire and community safety (reports to the Deputy Commissioner);
• Operational policy and training;
• Resources;
• Corporate services.

In May 2007, the Department for Communities and Local Government announced that Sir Ken Knight had been appointed as the first Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser to the British government. Knight was succeeded as LFB Commissioner by Ron Dobson.

The LFB's headquarters since 2007 is located at 169 Union Street in Southwark, adjacent to the brigade's training centre.