HUGE FIRE in Stratford flat – 58 firefighters rush to the scene
About 100 people were forced to flee their homes after a fire broke out in a 17th-floor flat in east London. A total of 58 firefighters rushed to the scene on Leather Gardens, Stratford, after 999 operators received dozens of calls from concerned members of the public. The blaze had engulfed the flat, leaving it completely destroyed. Pictures from social media showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the flat’s windows.
London Fire Brigade, which received the first reports of the fire at about 1.20am on Monday, said there were no reports of any injuries. The fire was brought under control by about 2.50am. A spokesman for the fire service said: “The brigade’s 999 control officers took 26 calls to the fire. Fire engines from Stratford, Plaistow, Leyton, East Ham, Bethnal Green and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.”
The cause of the fire is not yet known and is currently under investigation.
What this means for landlords and managing agents
For landlords and managing agents, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places duties on the responsible person to assess and manage fire risk in the common parts and other relevant areas of a residential building. The fire risk assessment should be suitable and sufficient, recorded where required, and kept under review. It should be revisited after building work, changes to layout or occupancy, alterations to fire precautions, or any incident that may affect safety.
Checks should confirm that communal escape routes are clear and adequately signed, fire doors close properly and are not propped open, and smoke and fire alarms are installed, tested and maintained as appropriate. Any defects in compartmentation, fire stopping, emergency lighting or other protective measures should be identified and dealt with by competent contractors. Residents should receive clear information about the building’s evacuation arrangements and how to report faults.
Where staff or contractors work on site, they should understand relevant procedures, including raising the alarm, calling the fire and rescue service and supporting evacuation where required. Inspection, testing and maintenance records should be retained, with urgent risks addressed promptly rather than left until the next scheduled review.
How FireRA can help
FireRA’s qualified assessors carry out fire risk assessments and fire safety training for landlords and businesses across London and the South East. We can help review arrangements, identify practical improvements and support ongoing compliance, including following changes to a building or its use. To discuss your requirements, call FireRA on 020 3936 9826.
