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Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley, London Fire Brigade’s outgoing Director of Prevention, Protection, and Operational Policy, marked his final roll call yesterday morning at Dowgate Fire Station, closing the chapter on almost three decades of service.
Charlie is set to remain closely connected to building safety as he takes up the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Building Safety Regulator next month. Reflecting on the move, he said:
“I’m fortunate to join the Building Safety Regulator and take on this role, where I hope to continue my passion for building safety, working with great people and remembering the duty we owe to those who lost their lives at the Grenfell Tower fire.”
Charlie joined London Fire Brigade in 1996, serving at Bow, Shoreditch, Stratford and Peckham fire stations before moving into fire investigation at New Cross and then Dowgate. Since 2005, he has led investigations into many of the capital’s most significant fires, including as on-site forensic lead following the Grenfell Tower fire.
He managed the response to several complex incidents during his time as Fire Investigation Manager, including the 2015 Kingsway tunnel fire. He also served as incident commander at a number of major incidents on the ground, from Storm Eunice to the wildfires that swept London in 2022. One of the more unusual incidents he recalls was a boat fire in Greenwich which saw cylinders explode from a converted minesweeper used as a live-work art space.
“Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, but it was certainly one of the most challenging incidents I’ve encountered as a firefighter,” Charlie said. “The incident really encapsulates the job – all sorts of things can crop up at any given moment in the emergency services. You don’t live an ‘ordinary life’ in this role.”
Alongside his operational leadership, Charlie has been a driving force for change in fire safety at local, national and international levels. As the NFCC’s lead officer for Electrical Safety and Fire Investigation, he has been at the forefront of campaigns to improve safety standards, from reducing fire risks linked to fuse boards to tackling the growing dangers of lithium batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters.
“Our #Chargesafe campaign, launched in response to a surge in serious fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters, has been a true team effort across the Brigade,” he said. “Since 2017, I’ve also been able to work with a range of excellent and inspirational fire safety professionals, engineers and experts across different sectors, all seeking to reduce the fire safety risks in buildings. This has also involved working with communities and residents most affected by serious fire safety issues, many of whom have faced real challenges on a daily basis.”
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith paid tribute to his contribution:
“Charlie is the consummate professional. His expertise has shaped the Brigade’s work across Fire Investigation, Prevention and Protection, and most recently in his leadership role as Deputy Commissioner. He’s deeply respected, and while we’ll miss him, we know he’ll thrive in his new position. We wish him every success.”
Reflecting on nearly 30 years of service, Charlie said: “Time and again, I’ve witnessed staff bravery, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to keeping communities safe. Being part of the London Fire Brigade family has been a privilege. You finish a shift knowing you’ve made a difference and helped people. That’s the very best in job satisfaction.”
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