North West Fire and Rescue Services unite to enhance fire safety in high-rise buildings

by Featured NewsSafety

Fire services across the North West of England have collaborated to improve fire safety in high-rise residential buildings.

This initiative comes a year after the Fire Safety England Regulations were implemented, following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 1 report.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), along with other regional services, has been instrumental in this effort.

Collaboration and compliance: a regional approach

Over the past year, fire safety teams have worked with councils, housing associations, and managing agents to ensure adherence to the new laws and enhance resident safety.

These efforts include online events, leaflet distribution, and guidance to support fault reporting.

GMFRS has focused on aiding more than 650 high-rise buildings in Greater Manchester, including those under construction or proposed.

Carlos Meakin, GMFRS Director of Prevention and Protection, emphasised the importance of these measures: “Since the fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017 more than 200 blocks of flats have needed to change their evacuation strategy because of serious fire safety concerns.

“This causes worry for residents, and we recognise the importance of providing up-to-date information and advice about what to do in the event of a fire whilst these issues are being addressed with those responsible for the building’s safety.

“The new resources will also help us support those responsible for fire safety in high-rise buildings to comply with the new legislation.”

Enhancing resident safety and awareness in high-rise buildings

To further support residents, new video resources developed by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) North West Protection Group are now available on various websites.

These resources aim to improve organisations’ and individuals’ understanding of their legal responsibilities and the fire safety arrangements in their buildings.

Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Kate Green, stated the importance of this initiative: “Greater Manchester has a number of high-rise residential buildings with that number constantly growing.

“It is incredibly important that people living in blocks of flats across our region are confident that they are safe, and it is positive to see proactive work being done by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and other fire and rescue services across the wider region, to ensure this.”

Building on lessons from Grenfell Tower

Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Vice-Chair of the NFCC North West Protection Group, Phil Garrigan, highlighted the ongoing efforts: “As a sector, we continue to build on the learning following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in 2017.

“The implementation of new legislation and the associated responsibilities now in place for those responsible for high-rise residential premises, coupled with the efforts of operational fire crews and technical fire safety specialists are necessary to ensure the safety of persons living in blocks of flats and high-rise premises.”

For more information on fire safety in blocks of flats, visit the GMFRS website.

IFSJ Comment

The collaboration between North West fire and rescue services to improve fire safety in high-rise buildings is a proactive and necessary measure.

It reflects a regional commitment to safety and learning from past tragedies like Grenfell Tower.

The use of new video resources and ongoing training and support for residents and building managers are crucial steps in ensuring the safety of thousands of residents.

This initiative fosters a culture of awareness and responsibility towards fire safety in residential buildings.

This regional approach can serve as a model for other areas in the UK, highlighting the importance of collaboration, communication, and education in fire safety management.

Camden Council homes lead in fire safety with national Building Safety Fund cladding replacement

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Camden Council’s proactive approach to fire safety

Camden Council has marked a significant stride in fire safety by being among the first in the country to complete fire safety improvements using the national Building Safety Fund.

This initiative, focused on the Cromer Street Estate in King’s Cross, represents a pioneering step in enhancing fire safety standards for social homes in the UK.

£7 million investment for safer homes

The council invested £7 million in replacing the façades of the Bramber, Glynde Reach, and Gatesden buildings with A1 rated cladding.

This investment, part of the larger £200 million commitment to safety improvements across its housing stock, has been essential in addressing fire safety concerns.

Improving aesthetics and insulation alongside safety

In addition to fire safety, the new cladding has significantly improved the exterior appearance of the buildings and the quality of insulation, aiding in temperature regulation and potentially reducing energy costs for residents.

Resident engagement in the safety process

A key aspect of this project was the active engagement of local residents.

Regular interactions with council officers and contractors, coupled with a dedicated team for resident queries, underscored a commitment to transparency and collaboration in enhancing safety.

Comprehensive fire safety measures by Camden Council

Since 2017, Camden Council has been dedicated to achieving the highest standard of safety.

This commitment is evident in their comprehensive programme of fire safety works, including the installation of appropriate fire doors, emergency lighting, fire alarms, and regular fire risk assessments in over 3,200 buildings.

Cladding replacement: Government support through Building Safety Fund

The national Building Safety Fund, launched by the UK government in May 2020, has provided significant support in this endeavour.

With a total funding of £1.6 billion, it aims to meet the costs for remediation of unsafe non-ACM cladding systems on residential buildings over 18 metres tall.

This fund targets both the private and social sectors, ensuring that building safety improvements continue even during challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic.

A history of responsiveness to fire safety

The need for such comprehensive measures stems from past incidents, such as the tragic death of Magdalena Fink in 2017 due to a fire in Camden.

This incident highlighted the importance of proper fire risk assessments and the urgent need for safety improvements in buildings.

Since then, Camden Council has significantly increased its engagement with the London Fire Brigade and has strengthened its fire safety team, demonstrating a clear commitment to resident safety.

IFSJ Comment

Camden Council’s initiative to replace cladding in council homes using the national Building Safety Fund is a significant development in fire safety.

The council’s proactive and collaborative approach, engaging with residents and investing substantially in safety improvements, sets a commendable standard for other councils.

The tragedy in 2017 was a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting fire safety.

However, Camden’s response, marked by substantial investments and a comprehensive safety programme, illustrates a dedicated effort to prevent such incidents.

This story is not just about cladding replacement; it reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents, highlighting the critical role of local authorities in fire safety management.