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BFRS publishes London Luton Airport car park fire report
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) has published a comprehensive report detailing the major fire at London Luton Airport’s Terminal Car Park 2.
The fire, which took place on 10 October 2023, was one of the most significant incidents the Service has responded to in recent years, and involved more than 1,300 vehicles and caused the partial collapse of the building.
The significant incident report outlines the scale of the operation, which required more than 100 firefighters at its height. Crews worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to the neighbouring car park, the multi-million-pound DART travel infrastructure, and aircraft. The incident, which led to widespread disruption at the airport, was managed without any serious injuries or fatalities.
Councillor Jacqui Burnett, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority Chair said: “The fire presented challenges, but I am incredibly proud of the rapid response and professionalism shown by our teams and our partners. The operation not only safeguarded the airport but also highlighted the strength of the Service’s multi-agency coordination. While our firefighters managed to contain and successfully extinguish the fire, reports like these are essential to ensure the Service learns and continues to improve its response in the future.”
The report identifies areas for improvement, particularly in fire safety measures for multi-storey car parks. If there had been a suitable sprinkler system, it may have changed and delayed the fire spread.
Chief Fire Officer Andy Hopkinson said: “Evidence derived from global research demonstrates the effectiveness of sprinklers in controlling fires in car parks, with property loss about 95 per cent lower than that of an uncontrolled fire. We will be using the learning from this incident to support the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) in lobbying for a change in national guidance and legislation to make the provision of automatic water suppression systems (AWSS), such as sprinklers, a requirement in multi-storey car parks.”
The Chief Fire Officer is also backing the NFCC in its call on Government to carry out further and in-depth research into fires in car parks and the design of car parks.
NFCC has already called for a review of the requirements for car parks, to take account of the products and materials used in modern vehicles, and to consider additional requirements for automatic water suppression systems and structural safety above those specified in the current guidance.
