Arbroath fire test proposed in wake of Grenfell Tower blaze

Council could repeat test last carried out in Forfar 10 years ago

Parts of a council estate could be set on fire as a demonstration in the wake of the Grenfell Tower blaze in London.

Mainland Britain’s deadliest fire this century reduced the 24-storey block to ashes on June 14, with the presumed death toll now at 79.

Yesterday, Angus councillors approved consultation on the demolition of 140 “unpopular” properties in Arbroath to make way for 128 modern homes as part of a £26.5 million regeneration package in Timmergreens.

Councillor Alex King said any demolition in Fraser Path could take place after a controlled fire, mirroring a study carried out 10 years ago in Forfar.

Council leader Bob Myles said such a study would be “extremely timeous”.

Councillor King said: “We are trying to work through many of the buildings from the 1960s which are not quite up to the mark for modern-day living.

“The technology of the time has proved over the years to have produced an environment that is extremely poor and not popular with the tenants…

“It’s now some time since Angus Council and the fire brigade put on a demonstration of what happens in a fire with sprinklers and what happens when you don’t.

“In Forfar we set fire to two flats due for demolition and the difference in the one with sprinklers, you just wouldn’t believe.

“We have an opportunity here in Timmergreens to set up a similar demonstration.”

Alan McKeown, the council’s strategic director for place, said each new-build council property has sprinklers installed.

He added: “We’ve seen with the very tragic events in London that sprinklers save lives and they are a great preventative spend…

“I’d be delighted to speak to colleagues in Scottish Fire and Rescue…

“I think this time there’d be technology to measure toxicity levels and smoke as well as temperatures.

“I think that as technology has moved on in 10 years, we can have a demonstration the country can learn from.”

Sheila Hands asked whether registered social landlords and partners could be invited to the demonstration.

Mr McKeown said he expected there to be a “considerable amount of interest” in doing so.

Tribute was paid to late SNP councillor Frank Ellis, who was housing convener when the fire test was proposed for the Newmonthill blocks in 2007.

It is now some time since Angus Council and the fire brigade put ona demonstration of what happens in a fire with sprinklers and what happens when you don’t. COUNCILLOR ALEX KING