Lewisham Council's Health and Safety Committee has reviewed fire evacuation procedures at Laurence House, the council's administrative building, following two recent fire evacuations. The committee discussed findings from a planned evacuation on October 16, 2025, and an unplanned evacuation on November 20, 2025.
During the planned evacuation on October 16, 2025, the building was cleared in 7 minutes and 30 seconds, with a facilities management sweep completed in 10 minutes and 24 seconds. No accidents or incidents were reported during this event.
However, the unplanned evacuation on November 20, 2025, which was triggered when a staff member leaned on the alarm with a backpack,
raised concerns. Specifically, Concerns were raised about the availability of staff to assist with sweeps on all floors.
Following this incident, communications have been issued to clarify the role and support required from fire marshals. To prevent similar accidental activations in the future, a request has been made to Facilities Management to have all open boxes covered to prevent accidental activation.
Despite the concerns raised about staff availability during the unplanned evacuation, no other accidents or incidents were reported during either of the two events.
The committee's review of these procedures is detailed in the Public reports pack for the Health and Safety Committee meeting on 03rd February 2026.