BRITAIN’S largest fire service has been “slow to implement” necessary changes after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, an industry review found today.

An investigation into the London Fire Brigade (LFB) by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said that important aspects of fire work, such as reviews of staffing and specialist emergency response teams, have been neglected for years.

The probe claimed that some fire engine drivers have not received “refresher” training for 20 years, when the nationally recommended guidelines are once every five years.

It said: “The tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017 was one of the biggest challenges London Fire Brigade has ever had to face.

“The incident has had a profound effect on how the brigade now performs.

“Although our findings are broadly consistent with those of the Grenfell Tower inquiry, it must be emphasised that this was an inspection of the brigade in 2019.

“We found that, while the brigade has learned lessons from Grenfell, it has been slow to implement the changes needed.

“This is unfortunately typical of the brigade’s approach to organisational change.”

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary Matt Wrack said the report will be “worrying reading” for firefighters, who “have faced unfair criticism while others, including those in government, have not been held to account.”

He said: “Grenfell must be a turning point for UK fire safety — anything less is completely unacceptable.”

“The inquiry’s vital recommendations must be implemented quickly in London, but they also must be implemented in every fire and rescue service in the country.”

Matt Parr, HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, said: “This is a disappointing report: there are too many areas where the London Fire Brigade needs to make improvements.

“Many of its projects are wasteful, projects get started and stalled. The organisation as a whole is slow to learn.

“We are absolutely not criticising every firefighter in London — there are lots of people who are very dedicated.”

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “I recognise that what’s been highlighted in the report isn’t good enough and, as the new commissioner I am committed to making the necessary improvements when I take on the position in January.”