Safety drive since Grenfell
On June 14, 2017, 72 people perished after a fire broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington,West
London.
More than 70 others were injured and 223 people escaped.
Due to the building’s cladding, the fire spread rapidly up the exterior, bringing fire and smoke to all the residential floors.
The fire is currently being investigated by the police, a public inquiry, and coroner’s inquests.
Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said the tragic events at GrenfellTower emphasised how important building and fire safety is.
Since December last year, residents in high-rise properties are being given leaflets by the Fire Service and Scottish Government outlining how to prevent fires in the home and what to do if one starts in their building.
Guidance is also being published for those responsible for fire safety in high-rise buildings, including councils, housing associations, owners and private landlords.
Mr Denham said: “Although we already have stringent regulations in place, we are determined to do everything we can to strengthen the safety of those living in high-rise buildings.
“The information leaflets for residents will set out clearly and simply the steps they can take to help prevent fires, and the ways people can best ensure their own safety as well as that of relatives and neighbours.
“I hope these new fire safety guidance documents can help further reduce the risks in order to keep our communities safe.”
Assistant Chief Officer Ross Haggart, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s director of Prevention and Protection, said:“These leaflets and guidance documents will build on the partnership work already undertaken in Scotland since the Grenfell Tower tragedy to strengthen the safety of those living in high-rise buildings.
“We continue to work with our communities to ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
“Our priority will always be to prevent harm in our communities and save lives and our advice is based on effective fire safety in high rise premises.
“I would remind communities in Scotland that we are here to support them, most notably through our free Home Fire Safety Visits where firefighters will provide further safety advice and guidance on what to do in the event of an emergency.”
To book a free home fire safety visit call 0800 0731 999, text‘FIRE’to 80800 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk for information on