Grenfell bravery

I READ with sadness and some anger the reporting of the testimony of Michael Dowden, the fire officer in charge of the first attendance at Grenfell Tower.

The inference that more lives could have been saved if this officer had had specific training in how to evacuate a tower block is open to debate, but I find it ridiculous and wrong. Can officers be trained in advance to deal with the unique situation of tragedies such as the bradford Stadium or King’s Cross fires?

Sadly, these fires, as with Grenfell, were unusual and disastrous, and lessons need to be learned.

The ‘stay put’ policy has been questioned in the case of Grenfell Tower, as it should be. but in my experience as a retired fire officer attending many high-rise incidents, this policy has worked many times in the past, no doubt saving many lives.

You don’t have to be an expert to realise the Grenfell fire acted the way it did because of the cladding on the outside of the building, so let’s focus on that fact.

Mr Dowden had an impossible task that night. I, for one, salute his bravery as I do all the firefighters who attended, and who carried out selfless acts to try to save as many people as possible in horrific conditions.

GARY PAuL, South Ockendon, Essex. MICHAEL DOWDEN told the inquiry he hadn’t had training in what to do if the ‘stay put’ policy failed. but I bet he’s had diversity training.

D.A. HuTCHINGS, Crowborough, E. Sussex.