SURVIVORS and bereaved relatives from the Grenfell Tower fire have told the Government “enough is enough” after a blaze at a London block bearing the same cladding left more than 40 people in need of treatment. London Fire Brigade (LFB) said two adults had gone to hospital after suffering the effects of smoke inhalation and a further 38 adults and four children were treated at the scene after the fire ripped through the 19-storey New Providence Wharf development, near Canary Wharf, on Friday morning. Approximately 22% of the building’s facade features aluminium composite material polyethylene (ACM PE) cladding panels, which were found to be a key factor in the 2017 Grenfell fire.
After the fire was extinguished, the governmentsaid it had warned Ballymore to move more quickly.
“We have been in regular contact with Ballymore over the last two years to make progress, including publicly naming Landor, their subsidiary, as one of the companies that has consistently failed to take action,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
“Ministers have met Ballymore repeatedly to urge action.”
Ballymore last week indicated it believed the government was partly to blame for delays, complaining to residents about Whitehall’s publication of multiple “conflicting” advice notes without consultation with the property industry.
More than 100 firefighters have been battling a huge fire at a high rise tower block near Canary Wharf, which is thought to still be covered in the same type of cladding used on Grenfell Tower. 20 fire engines were on the scene of the blaze this morning (May 7) at New Providence Wharf in Poplar. Images and footage on social media showed thick clouds of smoke billowing from the side of the high rise block as firefighters have been setting up ladders to reach higher levels. It is understood that all flats within the building were evacuated. Breaking: Emergency crews in some 20 fire engines are at the scene in New Providence Wharf, near Canary Wharf, after the blaze broke out this morning.
Work to replace the cladding was “under way” and the main contractor had been due to take possession of the site on Monday, according to building developer Ballymore.
Pictures and videos on social media show part of the building engulfed in flames, with thick grey smoke pouring out of the block, several stories high.
One resident posted on Instagram: “When your building has the same cladding as Grenfell Tower. Oh my god.”
Residents congregated in a nearby building as fire crews continued to work on securing New Providence Wharf.
Some were still in pyjamas or wrapped in blankets while others spoke of having to brush their teeth using a water bottle.
London Tower block on fire had Grenfell cladding
London Ambulance Service said a “number of people” have been treated for injuries
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Thank you for subscribingWe have more newslettersShow meSee ourprivacy notice More than 100 firefighters have tackled a blaze that ripped through a 19-storey London tower covered in flammable cladding.