Grenfell Tower

[RhythmAndStealth]

Watching the news just now and I can't believe my eyes. It looks absolutely horrific.

I want to think everyone got out safe, but sadly I just can't.

Some of the news reports are about alleged poor safety standards and dangerous living conditions. If that's true it just beggars belief.

If the cladding is to blame for the fire spreading so quickly - how on earth has it passed safety checks? Surely this stuff is tested ?

Some individual Labour councils, eg Hull, may have decided to get rid of tower blocks.

I'm gonna repeat what I said earlier.

My partner works in lots of different tower blocks in London, he says you wouldn't believe the amount of both council and private blocks that are basically running gas and electrics on ancient systems, with "At Risk" notices on everything from boilers to electrical systems, but they all persist in just ad hoc repairs to save money, because although it saves money in the long term in the short term it goes down as a black mark to spend a large amount to replace the things that need it.

Plenty of evidence from the multiple fires in Dubai that cladding on buildings can accelerate the spread of fires.

Why does it have to take a fatal incident such as this to get inadequate and unsafe housing to hit the headlines?
This seems to feed in to the suspicion that to some people, certain peoples lives are genuinely worth less than others.

Fair point lochnessmonster. I'm just watching the news and the cladding seems to be an issue from what they're saying .

A lady was just interviewed on BBC saying she knows a disabled person who lives on the 18th floor and is housebound. I have to ask why the hell Council's house disabled people on the upper floors? Surely they should be prioritised for the lower floors?

It has just been reported on the news of an unconfirmed report of a faulty fridge in a fourth floor flat started the blaze.
If this is true, then it is absolutely scandalous.

God, this is so tragic. And criminal if the reports are correct.

We had a house fire several years ago and it was terrifying - that was just a smallish fire and we were able to get out easily. I can't imagine being stuck in a tower block trying to find a way out.

I didn't know this was happening until I put the TV on this morning. Unfortunately DS saw some of it - one of his best friends died in a fire a few weeks ago so he was very upset. I have spent many hours over the last few weeks reassuring him that these things are incredibly rare. He just doesn't believe me now.

The bloke in charge of the refurb is getting a grilling.

Huge respect to the Fire Brigade, and to that incredibly composed and articulate Commissioner.

Victoria Derbyshire is really struggling to maintain her composure. Don't envy her this morning.

It's possible that the cladding material and superstructure passed flammability tests. However, if you have a flammable material between two less flammable items you essentially have a conduit through which fire can spread very quickly, in effect like a chimney which can accelerate the speed of how fire takes hold.

BBC reporter said she spoke to a local lady pushing a trolleyload of water bottles which a local supermarket had given her for free.

The picture of the charred child's homework is heartbreaking.

Piers Morgan giving the refurbishment fitters a good grilling. Good on piers

And not doing himself any favours at all! He should not be speaking to the press etc, all, he should be speaking to the fire service not Good morning !

Can I just extend my sympathies to all in England. Your country has had to deal with so much tragedy in recent weeks and I know, that although you may may not be directly affected, it does affect you. From one of your NI neighbours. 💐

In awe of the bravery of the firefighters, and the job they did at what must be massive personal risk.

I drove down to Camden this morning and could see the smoke

hopsalong I'm sure clothing and shoes would be very welcome. People would've escaped in nightwear and have nothing else.

Yes, you can take stuff along, clothes, anything I imagine, they will have lost everything, it's heartbreaking. 😞
Go Piers, he really is standing up for the people, and not backing down.

@hopsalong
I've just seen this on the BBC - might be a good place to go and help or donate goods to:
Church opens its doors to locals
Posted at 9:56
St Clements Church in Kensington opened around 03:00 BST and since then, according to Reverend Alan Everett, hundreds of people have come through its doors.

"People are acutely distressed. My main effort is to provide water, breakfast, tea and coffee and a toilet.

"We're planning for the rest of the day. We're providing lunch and supper and if necessary we're providing a place to stay overnight."

He also said local people had been "incredibly generous" in bringing supplies to those affected but said for anyone thinking of donating, blankets were "always useful".

Can't stand piers usually. But I can't help feel uncomfortable about the media don't know what it is about it. Just like watching the investigations in live time.

What a awful world we live in.

Oh Roomba, that is terrible, your poor son's friend

Its horrific. But a full investigation is needed. Having had a full refurb, all standards must have been met, (not just the eco ones that helped fund the refurb) so bigger questions indeed need to be asked. The fire brigade signed off on this, so something fundamental has been ignored.

Cavemum I guess there's not enough ground floor properties to go round .

Also people have lived in these flats for years , they may have started out able bodied and become disabled while living there. Some elderly people don't want to move . The point is that ^any* property should be safe to live in.

Fires will happen for all sorts of reasons (cigarettes left burning for example) but buildings should be built so that fires are contained.