On 14th September, the Inquiry into the Grenfell Tower Fire started in Holborn, central London.
Sir Martin Moore-Bick, a retired judge, will lead the probe. He said that the fire was “a tragedy unprecedented in modern times.” On this first day, no evidence was heard. An interim report is expected to be published by Easter.
The issues to be examined during the inquiry are amongst others:
- The design, construction and refurbishment of the Grenfell Tower
- The scope and adequacy of fire safety regulations around high-rise buildings
- The cause and the spread of the fire
- The response of the fire service
While the inquiry started, many demonstrators had gathered demanding “Justice for Grenfell”. At least 80 people died in the fire in North Kensington on 14th June.
Still, an extremely small amount of social housing tower blocks in the UK are provided with efficient fire protection systems.
IWMA General Manager Bettina McDowell says: “The people living in council housing are entitled to be protected from harm. The look back to 14th June 2017 is vital for the development of an efficient fire protection scheme for them that hopefully will emanate from the inquiry!” She adds: “And as far as the look into the future is concerned: human lives are at stake, thus only water-based fire protection systems are suitable as far as I am concerned. Here, water mist is a viable option with retro-fitting being one of many advantages. There are people out there who should know about this!”
Please click <link https: www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk _blank external-link-new-window internal link in current>HERE to access the official webpage of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry!
Please click <link https: www.bre.co.uk grenfelltower _blank external-link-new-window internal link in current>HERE to receive information about cladding testing at BRE!