ITV Studios – Fire Restoration in a Live Broadcast Production Environment
Case study from the archive · First published in 2017
Initial situation
A major fire caused extensive damage at an ITV Studios production facility, resulting in widespread smoke contamination and significant disruption to daily operations. The incident affected studio spaces, editing suites and technical areas containing large amounts of audio‑visual, electrical and mechanical equipment.
At the time of the incident, multiple TV shows were being filmed or rehearsed on site. Maintaining continuity of production while ensuring the safety of people, equipment and facilities was critical. From the outset, ITV required a restoration partner capable of managing complex technical damage while working within an active, time‑critical production environment.
Challenges
The incident presented a series of interrelated challenges:
- Extensive fire damage combined with varying levels of smoke contamination throughout the premises
- Strong and persistent smoke odours affecting sensitive studio environments
- Large volumes of technical, electrical and production equipment impacted
- Structural damage identified during inspections
- Popular live television productions and rehearsals disrupted, increasing time and reputational pressure
- Multiple internal stakeholders with different operational requirements
Beyond the technical scope, the situation demanded careful coordination, clear communication and a restoration approach that minimised disruption to day‑to‑day studio operations.
From the moment BELFOR arrived, they were very professional and thorough which gave us confidence and reassurance during a stressful time for both staff and the business. The BELFOR team could not do enough to help and the standard never dropped throughout the project. They worked professionally with people at all levels within ITV, as well as with our contractors and suppliers. This was a very positive experience for ITV during which was an extremely challenging perios, and we will always be grateful to BELFOR for their support.
Immediate response & technical assessment
BELFOR mobilised immediately to carry out emergency works and a detailed technical damage assessment. Chloride analysis and contamination testing were conducted to determine appropriate decontamination methods for different zones and equipment types. From the beginning, close collaboration with ITV ensured that restoration activities aligned with production priorities and scheduling constraints.
Managed restoration in an active production environment
A key success factor was BELFOR’s ability to operate within a live production setting:
- Installation of air filtration systems and active moisture and humidity control
- Targeted “first‑aid” treatment and protection of critical IT and server unit areas
- Specialist decontamination of technical audio and visual equipment in editing suites
- Secure removal and disposal of non‑restorable items
- Detailed Quality Control process set up to manage decontamination process
- Full structural decontamination.
- Soft furnishings mechanically cleaned
A structured quality control process was implemented to manage the decontamination programme and ensure
consistent standards across all affected areas.
Project Management & Customer Coordination
With multiple productions continuing throughout the works, project management and customer coordination were critical. BELFOR worked closely with ITV teams, contractors and suppliers, managing interfaces across all organisational levels. This integrated approach allowed restoration works to progress while:
- Minimising disruption to filming schedules
- Ensuring safe access to operational areas
- Maintaining trust and transparency with all stakeholders
Results
- Successful restoration of studio spaces and technical environments
- Protection and recovery of critical broadcast and IT‑supported production equipment
- Continuation of live productions with minimal operational disruption
- High levels of transparency and quality control throughout the project
Beyond the technical outcome, the project provided ITV with reassurance, operational stability and confidence during a highly stressful and complex situation.
