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Residents of a block of flats in north-west London called for an investigation after a fire gutted the building, which still had flammable cladding in place.
A fire brigade coalition has issued a warning about the dangers of cladding following a fire in Wembley on Monday afternoon.
At least 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were called to the scene, and firefighters could still be seen battling the blaze on the Elm Street block Tuesday morning.
London Fire Brigade said an initial investigation confirmed that cladding was involved in the fire.
Hundreds of residents of Petworth Court were evacuated, with some describing the “horrifying” moment they were told to leave, with some reminding them of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated, with some describing the “terrifying” moment they were told to leave – in a way that reminded some of them of the Grenfell Tower fire.
(@LondonFire/Twitter)
Mar, a mother of one who lives on the fourth floor, said: evening standard Residents said they wanted a “full investigation.”
“The exterior of this building was supposed to be replaced two years ago, but nothing has been done,” she told the paper.
“It’s horrifying and shocking to think that there is still cladding that we all knew could be dangerous. This could have been another Grenfell. We are very angry. We are seeking a full investigation and response.
“Fire prevention measures were installed inside the building to make it safer, but what’s the point if the exterior is still there?”
In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire that killed 72 people in 2017, there have been calls for flammable cladding to be removed from buildings.
Grenfell Tower in west London after fire kills 72 people (Steve Parsons/PA)
(PA archive)
Brent North MP Barry Gardiner said: standard He said he had “repeatedly warned” block managers about the safety risks posed by the cladding.
Resident Amare Gearam (28) also said: evening standard: “It was very scary. Police and firefighters were knocking on the door. The fire started small and quickly flared up.
“I don’t know if it was the exterior, but I couldn’t help but think of Grenfell.”
The Union of Fire Brigades has issued a warning against the use of cladding after more than 100 firefighters were called in to extinguish the blaze.
“Firefighters have once again been called to a potentially tragic cladding fire,” said Matt Luck, general secretary of the firefighters union.
“Decades of deregulation has created unnecessary risks for residents and firefighters, putting homes and lives at risk.”
London Fire Brigade said the fire damaged half of the exterior of the building, the entire roof and four exterior balconies.
(@LondonFire/Twitter)
London Fire Brigade said the fire damaged half of the exterior of the building, the entire roof and four exterior balconies.
Five neighboring blocks were also evacuated as a precaution. All residents were identified after being evacuated, but there were no reports of injuries.
independent person Octavia Housing has been contacted for comment.
A spokesperson told the Standard that staff attended the site and confirmed the building had external cladding.
“The structure of the building has some external cladding and we are working with the developer and insurance company to remove this. We have plans in place to address this and will be developing them as part of the arbitration process. “This includes ongoing negotiations with investors and insurance companies,” a spokesperson told the paper.
It added: “The safety of our residents is paramount and the needs of vulnerable people are prioritized.
“Our emergency planning procedures have been activated. We have assisted all evacuated residents with access to welfare facilities. For residents who are unable to return home, we have moved to hotels as needed. Overnight accommodation was also found, and support continues to be provided.
“London Fire Brigade are at the scene this morning and are awaiting an update from the fire service. Fire services have not yet determined the extent of the damage or the cause of the fire.
“Petworth Court has a fire risk assessment which has been shared with London Fire Brigade and we have been working with them since August last year to manage the building.”