“There needs to be an urgent and swift investigation”: Major fire in Dagenham brings attention to ongoing UK cladding crisis

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Cladding crisis: Dagenham fire raises safety concerns

A fire engulfed an eight-story block of flats on Freshwater Road, Dagenham, leading to the evacuation of over 100 residents, as reported by multiple sources.

The fire, which broke out at 2:44 am on Monday, was brought under control by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) by 12:30 pm.

Two people were taken to the hospital, but all residents were accounted for.

LFB is investigating the cause of the fire, with a focus on flammable cladding.

The building had been undergoing remedial work to remove non-compliant cladding from its fifth and sixth floors.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) called for an immediate investigation into how such an incident could occur again.

The impact of unsafe cladding in the UK

The building involved in the Dagenham fire had been issued a fire enforcement notice in 2023 due to its unsafe cladding.

This fire is the latest incident highlighting the slow pace of the UK’s efforts to address fire safety issues in buildings with unsafe cladding.

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack expressed concern, stating: “Once again, a fire has erupted in a residential building wrapped in flammable cladding. There needs to be an urgent and swift investigation.”

He also emphasised that hundreds of thousands of people across the UK are still living in buildings with fire safety failings.

Resident accounts of the Dagenham fire

Residents caught in the Dagenham fire described harrowing scenes.

Sam Ogbeide, a resident of the fourth floor, recalled the moment he realised the fire’s intensity: “I opened my main door, smoke was coming in from the window—I live at the back. I saw it. Very terrible.”

Chris, another resident living behind the tower block, said: “I saw a bright light behind my window. We came outside and there were fire engines and ambulances. The blaze was so huge.”

Broader cladding crisis across the UK

This incident follows a similar fire at Charrington Tower in Poplar, which also had a history of cladding safety issues.

The fire in Poplar, which occurred just an hour after the Dagenham fire was controlled, has raised further alarm about fire safety in high-rise buildings.

A Ballymore Asset Management Ltd (BAML) spokesperson confirmed the building’s fire safety systems were effective but did not elaborate on the cause of the fire.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report, due next week, is expected to reignite discussions on fire safety standards in the UK.

Despite government efforts, only 50% of the 4,600 identified buildings with unsafe cladding have undergone remedial work, leaving thousands of residents in buildings still at risk.

Industry calls for improved safety standards and training

Nicola John, Managing Director of Fire Door Maintenance at UAP Limited, emphasised the need for swift action within the construction industry to prevent future tragedies linked to non-compliant materials.

Nicola said: “Non-compliant building materials cause destruction and devastation, and the industry needs to take action to prevent further tragedy.”

She highlighted the importance of having a “golden thread” of information about building design and materials.

“All buildings need a digitised, easily accessible ‘golden thread’ of information about their design, construction, and management,” she added.

Nicola also underscored the significance of specialised training in the fire safety industry: “At FDM by UAP Ltd, we’re the only company in the country to train fire industry workers practically and holistically about the building lifecycle, so they understand completely how fire doors are designed, engineered, installed, and inspected.

“It’s training that the industry urgently needs, and it’s training that will save lives.”

Major fire in Dagenham brings attention to ongoing UK cladding crisis: Summary

A fire at an eight-story block of flats in Dagenham, London, has renewed concerns about fire safety in buildings with unsafe cladding.

The fire broke out early on Monday morning, resulting in the evacuation of over 100 residents.

Two people were hospitalised.

London Fire Brigade is investigating the incident, with a focus on the role of flammable cladding.

The building had been undergoing remedial work to replace non-compliant cladding.

The Fire Brigades Union has called for urgent action to address the ongoing cladding crisis across the UK, where hundreds of thousands of residents remain at risk.

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