Wembley flats fire: Firms and government ignoring cladding fears - FBU

The side and roof of the building were badly damaged

A cladding fire at a block of flats in north-west London has led to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) warning of "criminal complacency" on the part of the government and some building firms.

Initial reports from London Fire Brigade confirm cladding was involved in the Wembley fire. No-one was hurt.

Barry Gardiner MP said he had previously raised concerns with Petworth Court's housing association.

Octavia Housing said: "The safety of our residents is our priority."

The blaze in Elm Road broke out late on Monday afternoon and was brought under control by 22:00 GMT.

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Mr Gardiner, who represents Brent North, said Octavia had been advised three years ago that the cladding was unsafe and "had not done anything" to remove it.

The MP also said that Octavia did not have a plan to start fire remediation work and had "not done anything significant to remove the cladding or advise residents when work would commence or who would pay for it".

"My concern is for the residents who have lost so much," Mr Gardiner said. "We must investigate what has happened and if it could have been avoided."

He also drew comparisons with the Grenfell Tower fire in west London in which 72 people died - flammable cladding has been cited as a major cause of its spread.

Grenfell fire relatives group, Grenfell United, warned on social media that the fire could have had "a very different outcome".

In a letter sent to residents in October, Octavia said its work on removing the cladding could not progress because "no realistic agreement" could be made with the primary contractor for the remediation works, Vistry Group.

A spokesperson for the Vistry Group, a housebuilding firm, said they could not comment on the specific details.

"However, we have been working with the building owner and will continue to do so to help ensure works are completed on site as necessary," the spokesperson added.

"We are continuing to engage with all parties as a matter of urgency to put in place the appropriate arrangements."

At least 125 firefighters were needed to control the blaze

The FBU said it warned of the dangers of flammable cladding years before the Grenfell Tower fire.

'Decades of deregulation'

General Secretary Matt Wrack said: "Decades of deregulation have created unnecessary risks to residents and firefighters, and put homes and lives at risk.

"Government ministers and building companies have been criminally complacent.

"We will continue to demand justice for the victims of this situation, and urgent action to ensure that buildings are safe."

A spokesperson for Octavia Housing said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire at Petworth Court and we're glad to hear no injuries have been reported.

"We will support the fire service as they investigate the cause of the fire and continue to support residents who have been affected."

The fire broke out on Monday afternoon

They added Octavia Housing was working with Brent Council's Emergency Response team and other agencies to support the residents.

At least 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were called to the Wembley blaze, where half the external side of the building, and all of the roof, was damaged.

London Fire Brigade said residents left the building, all were accounted for and there were no injuries.

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