Terrified families escape flats fire involving cladding and demand urgent investigation

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Residents of a north west London block of flats have demanded an investigation after fire tore via their constructing – which had flammable cladding nonetheless in place.

The Fire Brigades Union issued a warning over the risks of cladding following the blaze that occurred in Wembley on Monday afternoon.

At least 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines have been referred to as to the scene and firefighters have been nonetheless seen dampening down the block on Elm Road on Tuesday morning.

The London Fire Brigade stated that preliminary investigations confirmed that cladding was concerned within the blaze.

Hundreds of Petworth Court residents have been evacuated, with some recounting the “frightening” second they have been informed the go away – which reminded among the Grenfell Tower fire.

Mar, a mom of 1 who lives on the fourth ground, informed the Evening Standard that residents needed to see “a full investigation”.

“The cladding on this building was down to be replaced two years ago but nothing has been done,” she informed the paper.

“It’s scary and devastating to think that we still have cladding that everyone knew could be dangerous. This could have been another Grenfell, we are very angry and want a full investigation and answers.

“They had put in some fire measures inside the building to make it safer but what’s the point if the cladding is still in place?”

The aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire – which left 72 lifeless in 2017 – has seen requires the removing of flammable cladding from buildings.

Brent North MP Barry Gardiner informed the Standard that he had “repeatedly warned” the block’s managers in regards to the security dangers the cladding imposed.

Resident Amare Gealam, 28, additionally informed the Evening Standard: “It was very frightening. There were police and firefighters knocking on the doors. The fire started small then went up quick.

“I don’t know whether that’s because of the cladding but you couldn’t help thinking of Grenfell.”

The Fire Brigades Union issued a warning over the usage of cladding after over 100 firefighters have been referred to as to place out the fire.

“Firefighters have once again been called to cladding fire which could have resulted in tragedy,” Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union normal secretary, stated.

“Decades of deregulation have created unnecessary risks to residents and firefighters, and put homes and lives at risk.”

The London Fire Brigade stated that half of the exterior facet of the constructing and the entire roof and 4 exterior balconies have been broken by the fire.

Five adjoining blocks have been additionally evacuated as a precaution. All residents have been accounted for following the evacuation and there have been no studies of any accidents.

The Independent has contacted Octavia Housing for a remark.

A spokesperson informed the Standard that workers had been on web site and confirmed the constructing has exterior cladding.

“The building has some external cladding in its construction, and we are working with the developer and our insurer to get this removed. There is a plan in place to address this which includes on-going negotiations with the developer and our insurer as part of an arbitration process,” a spokesperson informed the paper.

They added: “The safety of residents is paramount and the needs of those with vulnerabilities have been prioritised.

“Our emergency planning procedures were activated. We ensured all evacuated residents were supported with access to welfare facilities. Overnight hotel accommodation was found, where required, for residents who were unable to return home and they continue to be supported.

“The London Fire Brigade is on site this morning and we are awaiting an update from them. The fire brigade have yet to determine the extent of the damage and cause of the fire.

“Petworth Court has a Fire Risk Assessment which has been shared with the London Fire Brigade, who we have been working with since last August to manage the building.”