London,
23
June
2017
|
15:00
Europe/London

Statement from Borough Fire Commander on fire safety work at the Chalcots Estate

Simon Tuhill, Borough Commander, London Fire Brigade, said: “We are conducting joint visits to the Chalcots Estate with the council and will be visible to residents, who will be able to ask fire safety questions to firefighters.

“In addition, we will visit all premises identified to check the fire safety of the building and make sure that in the event of a fire, firefighting facilities are all in place. The Brigade will also programme more in-depth inspections as part of an on-going process.

“The Brigade will check on all safety aspects, for example that fire doors are correctly fitted and self-closing, and that escape routes are clear. Officers will also give advice to the housing provider on any immediate actions that need to be taken.

“The message to those living in high rise is that the only action you need to take is to make sure that you have normal fire safety measures in place.”

Considerations include residents thinking about how to stop a fire in the first place, take care with cigarettes, cooking and candles, and check electrical products.​  Also making sure they are familiar with the building escape routes.

Find out more information on how to keep yourself safe from a fire if you live in a high rise or purpose built flats.

 

Commenting yesterday (June 22) on the council's announcement that we will be removing cladding from Chalcots Estate, Leader of Camden Council, Georgia Gould, said:

“Whilst we are clear that our cladding design and insulation significantly differs to that at Grenfell Tower, the external cladding panels did not satisfy our independent laboratory testing or the high standards we set for contractors. Camden Council has decided it will immediately begin preparing to remove these external cladding panels from the five tower blocks on the Chalcots Estate. Camden Council will do whatever it takes to ensure our residents are reassured about the safety of their homes.

“Until the panels have all been removed, we will carry out 24/7 fire safety patrols on the estate’s corridors to reassure residents and carry out enhanced fire safety checks. This additional assessment work includes a sweep of corridors to make sure they are clear of obstructions and anything that is potentially flammable. We will also be working with residents to test white goods (PAT testing), assessing fire doors in properties and we will be providing fire safety advice to residents.

“We have set up an information point on Chalcots Estate staffed by our housing teams who will be highly visible to our residents over the coming days. We want any residents who have concerns or questions to come to the information point so we can help them.

“We are working side-by-side with our housing groups and the London Fire Brigade and we remain ready to respond to any changes to national fire safety advice. We stand ready to fully support any national investigation into materials, building standards and safety regulations.

“It’s vital for all of London’s residents who live in high-rise buildings, that we learn from investigations into what caused and exacerbated the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower.”

Residents with any questions or concerns can contact housing officers through Contact Camden on 0207 974 4444.