FOI release

Request for information regarding the operational use of sirens in residential area

Case reference FOI2026/00862

Received 25 July 2026

Published 26 August 2026

Request

I would be grateful if you could advise: * Whether the London Fire Brigade has a written policy or operational guidance governing the use of sirens in residential areas. * Whether officers are expected to use sirens continuously when stationary at traffic lights or in queuing traffic while responding to an emergency. * Whether there are circumstances in which a siren may be temporarily silenced while emergency warning lights remain activated, where it is safe and operationally appropriate to do so. * Whether officers receive guidance on balancing the need to warn other road users with minimising unnecessary disturbance to residents, particularly during overnight hours. * Whether this guidance is determined by the London Fire Brigade or forms part of national policing guidance.

Response

Please see the response in the link below.

Documents

• FOIA response for disclosure log - FOI2026_00862.pdf (252.9 KB)

This is London Fire Brigade's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.