Statement on fire safety following the Grenfell Tower fire

14th Jun 2017

We realise that many residents will be understandably concerned following the news of the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower in West London and our thoughts are with the families of those affected.

We want to reassure our residents that Newlon takes fire safety very seriously. All our schemes have a current Fire Risk Assessment and over the last few years we have had a large programme of works to improve safety across our buildings. Fire safety within buildings is regularly reviewed and all our buildings meet the current fire safety regulations and good practice guidance.

All health and safety equipment in our developments is regularly tested and inspected in line with regulatory requirements and as part of our approach to maintaining our stock.

Residents can help support fire safety in their building by working with our Estates Team to ensure communal areas are free of possessions and rubbish. If we contact you about a specific fire safety issue in your building, please do take the matter seriously as it is in everyone’s interest to reduce fire risk as far as possible.

A question that has been raised is whether residents should stay in their home in the event of a fire. Residents should always follow the advice for their specific building, which for most developments will be to stay in your home unless the fire is within your flat or you are in immediate danger. This is because the building is compartmentalised to prevent the rapid spread of fire. The walls, floors and doors to flats should be capable of withstanding fire long enough for the fire service to arrive and deal with the fire. It is usually safer for residents to stay put, call 999 and wait for the emergency services. In most fires it will be safer to remain in your flat, preferably in a room with a window, rather than entering smoky corridors where it could be impossible to see. The fire service will be able to safely evacuate all or part of the building if necessary. This remains the accepted best practice for most high rise buildings and the advice from the London Fire Service.

As with any major fire it is likely that there will be learning points once a detailed investigation has been carried out and we will of course implement any new safety recommendations.

If you have any concerns in the meantime about fire safety within your own building or need general advice on fire safety in your home please contact us.