Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley is stepping down from the London Fire Brigade after nearly three decades of service. This month, he will leave his role to become the interim chief executive at the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), where he will continue his work to improve building safety across the UK.
Pugsley began his career in 1996, working at fire stations throughout London, including Bow, Shoreditch, Stratford, and Peckham. He later transitioned to fire investigation roles at New Cross and Dowgate. Since 2005, he has led investigations into some of London’s most devastating fires, most notably serving as the forensic lead during the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Another significant case in his career was the 2015 Kingsway tunnel fire, caused by an electrical fault that ignited a gas main deep within Victorian tunnels. Throughout his career, Pugsley has been at the frontline of numerous crises, including the 2022 London wildfires and Storm Eunice.
One particularly challenging incident involved a boat fire where gas cylinders exploded. Pugsley recalled, “It was a disused minesweeper moored on a central London creek, converted into a floating living and work art space. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, but it was one of the toughest calls I’ve faced.” He added, “You don’t live an ordinary life in this role.”
Beyond his frontline duties, Pugsley has been a key advocate for fire safety reforms. He recently led the #Chargesafe campaign, addressing the increasing fire risks associated with lithium batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters. Reflecting on his time at the London Fire Brigade, he said, “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done at LFB. Since 2017, I’ve worked with inspiring experts and engineers to reduce fire risks in buildings.”
London Fire Brigade Commissioner Jonathan Smith paid tribute to Pugsley’s contributions, stating, “Charlie is the consummate professional. His expertise shaped our work in fire investigation, prevention, and protection. As deputy commissioner, his leadership has been outstanding. He’s deeply respected across the brigade. While we’ll miss him, we know he’ll thrive at the Building Safety Regulator. We wish him every success.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
