Crews conduct Lincoln high rise training after fatal Grenfell Tower fire

Crews at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have carried out high rise training and familiarisation in Lincoln following the fatal Grenfell Tower fire in London.

The tragic incident at Grenfell Tower in West London happened in the early hours of June 14.

So far, 12 people have been confirmed dead and 75 people are being treated in six hospitals after a fire ripped through the 24-storey building.

Chief Fire Officer Nick Borrill, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts are also with London Fire Brigade and all emergency services who responded to this very difficult incident.

“At this stage we do not yet know what caused the fire and will need to wait until a full investigation has been carried out. Fortunately incidents of this type are extremely rare.”

Training has now commenced in Lincoln to keep firefighters up-to-date on high rise building fires. Crews took part in this training at Jarvis House in Lincoln on June 14.

The City of Lincoln Council also confirmed the cladding used on Shuttleworth House and other of their tower blocks is different to that used on the Grenfell Tower in London.

Reasurring local people

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is now reassuring local people about its prevention and response arrangements for high-rise buildings.

Advice for people living in high-rise accommodation:

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm.
• Familiarise yourself with the Fire Procedures – if you don’t know ask your landlord.
• Make an escape plan so that you and your family are fully prepared if there’s a fire in your flat.
• Tell everyone in your home what the escape plan is, and where the door key is.
• Practice what you would do if you had a real fire.
• Make sure exits are kept clear of obstructions, and doors to stairways are not damaged or faulty.
• Use the stairs, not the lift, when leaving the building in the event of a fire.
• In the event of a fire, never assume that someone else has called 999. Make sure your neighbours know about the fire. Knock on their doors on your way out.

The City of Lincoln Council has also confirmed that cladding used on Shuttleworth House in Lincoln is different to that used on Grenfell Tower.

Chief Fire Officer Nick Borrill added: “There are a number of high-rise buildings across the county, and we would recommend people who live in those buildings know exactly what to do in the event of a fire so that they can protect themselves and their families.

“This is particularly important for the more vulnerable members of our communities, such as the elderly, young people or those with mobility issues.

“We would like to reassure everybody that Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue carries out regular inspections of high-rise buildings in the county, and that our crews regularly carry out training at these locations to test our response plans.

“If residents have any fire safety concerns about high rise buildings, please contact us on 01522 582222 or via email [email protected].”