Response to the tower block fire in east London

Published

8th May 2021

Friday’s fire at a residential tower block in Poplar, East London, which left two men in hospital, is a stark reminder of the risks associated with unsafe cladding on high-rise buildings. The fact that this fire comes four years after the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, and that the building owner knew of the presence of ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) cladding on the building, the same material that contributed to the rapid spread of fire at Grenfell, only serves to underline the urgent need to complete the replacement of unsafe cladding on all such buildings.

The recently enacted Fire Safety Bill and the forthcoming Building Safety Bill will, in time, address a number of the systemic issues related to building and fire safety but the onus is on our industry to act now to make the changes that are necessary and not wait for legislation. There can be no excuses for further delays.

CIOB remains committed to supporting both Government and the industry to ensure that residents are safe, and feel safe, in their homes.

We wish to express our hope for a quick recovery to those injured in the fire and our thoughts to anyone else affected by yesterday’s events.

 

 

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