10 arson attacks in one week at high-rise flats
FIRE-STARTERS SLAMMED FOR INCIDENTS IN WAKE OF GRENFELL TOWER TRAGEDY
ARSONISTS have been branded ‘irresponsible’ for starting a spate of fires in a tower block in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Firefighters were called to Hollow End Towers in Brinnington, Stockport, seven times on Saturday and Sunday – and have been 10 times in the last week.
Each time a fire has been deliberately started in the high-rise’s bin chute, causing smoke logging in the corridors. Although a drenching system in the bin room has prevented the flames spreading the trend is for the fires to get larger each time.
Watch manager Dan Wade, from King Street fire station, said: “The fires have been in the bin chute with people setting something alight and putting it in there.
“Whoever it is has been doing more and more each time.
“In light of the Grenfell Tower disaster people should not be tempting fate and frightening other residents.
“They should not be starting fires, particularly in high-rises.
“It has to stop. Enough is enough. Some residents started their own evacuation as they were scared.”
When called to the scene, firefighters have found smouldering remains and ensured the blaze is fully extinguished.
In response the fire service began a campaign in the area yesterday to give residents safety advice and fit free smoke alarms.
Police and Stockport Homes have been informed of the fires and are taking action.
Additional CCTV is being put in the bin room to help identify those responsible and police, who have appealed for witnesses, will prosecuted anyone caught.
Stockport Homes will send safety leaflets to the 66 flats in Hollow End Towers, which is on Northumberland Road and has 12 storeys.
A spokesman for the housing association said: “Safety is of the utmost importance to us and we are urgently dealing with this matter. The safety measures we have to deal with bin chute fires are robust. Our advice about staying in your flat with the door closed, unless you are directly affected by fire or smoke or the fire service decides to evacuate you, still stands.
“We are taking action immediately to deal with the dangerous and irresponsible behaviour.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.