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The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of tower block fires. This comes after recommendations made by the coroner at the inquest into the tragic deaths of six people following a serious fire at Lakanal House in Camberwell, London.
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Landlords are Responsible Says LFB
Figures released by the LFB show that there were 684 fires in the capital’s high-rise blocks last year, which equates to nearly two fires a day. Fire chiefs say landlords need to act in order to protect tenants.
“These figures are very concerning”, says Rita Dexter, deputy commissioner of the LFB.
“Landlords are responsible for ensuring their tenants have the information they need to make a safe choice should they be faced with a fire in their home.”
Tenants Would Make Poor Decisions if a Fire Broke Out
50 per cent of tenants questioned in a survey carried out by the LFB said they would leave their flat even if the fire was in another part of the building. However, the LFB says this action could be potentially hazardous.
“Flats and maisonettes are built to give some protection from fire – walls, floors and doors will hold back flames and smoke for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 60. So if there is a fire elsewhere in the building but not inside your home you are usually safer staying in your flat unless the fire or smoke is directly affecting you.”
The LFB is also reminding landlords that they need to ensure communal areas of purpose built housing blocks are kept clear at all times.
