London Fire Brigade named in Met's evidence file on Grenfell fire

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed it is among those facing possible prosecution in connection with the Grenfell Tower fire. Prosecutors received a grounds record linking 20 organisations and firms and 54 individuals from the Metropolitan Police earlier this week. The unit is pursuing charges that include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety offences and fraud‑related offences relating to the deaths of 72 people in the disaster. London fire commissioner Jonathan Smith said he welcomed the advancement in the investigation. The Metropolitan Police’s probe, known as Operation Northleigh, commenced shortly after the blaze in June 2017 and has engaged hundreds of investigators. The Crown Prosecution Service indicated that any charging decisions would be made before the 10th anniversary of the tragedy in 2027. In a statement, the LFB said: “The London fire commissioner has been notified by the Metropolitan Police Service that, following its probe into the events surrounding the Grenfell Tower fire, a record has been submitted to the CPS for its information in respect of London Fire Brigade.” “The London fire commissioner welcomes the advancement in the probe process and reaffirms his commitment to providing the CPS with full cooperation, as LFB has sought to do throughout Operation Northleigh.” Smith added: “We remember the 72 people who lost their lives, and our thoughts remain with the bereaved, survivors and everyone whose lives were changed forever by that night.” “LFB accepted the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and has now implemented all the recommendations from both phases.” “We continue working with our partners across authorities and the fire and rescue service to ensure the lessons of the Grenfell tragedy are learnt, and this continues to shape everything we do.”