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Fire in Camberwell

A pic I took 6 weeks ago:
img0850kej.jpg
 
I've only just seen Mrs M and moomoo baiting me out.

What does this mean for similar blocks with only one stairwell BTW?
 
It means the media think they have a story about 'death traps' and are exploiting naturally concerned residents.

Probably better to consider the facts rather than the media.
 
It means the media think they have a story about 'death traps' and are exploiting naturally concerned residents.

Probably better to consider the facts rather than the media.

Right, and what are they? Tbh I'm surprised it was ever legal to build such a huge block of flats with only one stairwell :eek:
 
Facts? Don't know, can't recall another fire like this off the top of my head. If you want to rummage around, here might be a start.


The construction is likely to do with budget restraints at the relevant time - 30-35 years ago, maybe? - not affluent times.
 
We've just got back from our holidays to see the fire damage to the block in Sceaux Gardens. It was a real shock and more of a shock to hear that so many had died. :(
 
One of the problems is that building regulations work fine provided doors and windows are kept shut. It was a steaming hot day last Friday - most windows would have been open, and the new fenestration was made of plastic...

I think the staircase is a bit of a red herring - sadly it appears that the fire spread externally due to later 'improvements' to the design...
 
Right, and what are they? Tbh I'm surprised it was ever legal to build such a huge block of flats with only one stairwell :eek:

how old were you pip when you got caught up in the fire at your flats? that sounds terrifying...

i am glad to live on the ground floor
 
This story really freaks me out - I used to live in a block round the corner from there which was a really similar design (pic below). The flats are two storey (which looks like they are in this block too) and although we had an extra fire escape on the top level, we'd been broken into so many times that we'd screwed all the windows and doors shut :(

eed8471a00344339f3e6fece94bab7fda9fb2987.jpg
 
this made me worry about my parents as they don't have a fire escape and my mum is unable to walk.
but apparently the fire brigade know about her and would rescue her should there be a fire.
not that reassuring to be honest.
 
At the National Federation of Tenants Management Organisations conference we began with a minute's silence for those lost in that fire. It was very moving. We then completely failed to discuss anything about fire safety for the remainder of the weekend. :rolleyes:
 
there's a benefit gig in camberwell tonight:

"Dear friends of Art’s & Camberwell,

Many of us have been touched in some way by the tragic fire within our community last week.

Art's is hosting a benefit gig this Thursday, 16th of July at Art’s to raise funds to aid the residents of Lakanal House, Sceaux Gardens.

We will be charging £5 on the door and also donating all profits from bar sales to Southwark Council for appropriate use.

Please join us on this evening of music, fun and art to help rebuild our village that has endured this incident and the ongoing repercussions.

Doors are open from 5pm, the live entertainment will start at approximately 8pm.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday and appreciate your support.

Art's Bar is located upstairs at Funky Munky, 25 Camberwell Church Street

Artists performing:

Hamish Meaney
Doyle Clarke
Paula Wichall
Leo Music Sistah
Spike Byte
Winston Skerritt
Dulwich Ukelele Band
Zedekiah
Alan, Angus & David Hank
Isa Suarez
Eva Luna
Kiant Play
DJ Les Las Vegas "

off down there in a bit...
 
I don't know if anyone else saw this but it seems the fire was caused by a faulty TV set. The advice from the fire service, unplug these things when they're not on.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jul/22/camberwell-fire-investigation
Whether or not a 'faulty' TV set instigated this event I feel it very likely TV in some way could be to blame anyway.

Cable TV to be precise.

Whatever original fire safeguards that were in the building when built, have probably been compromised by the fly-by-night cable guys tacking combustibles outside and into comfort zones.
In many cases you don't even know you've been 'cabled up' until an instance like at Bray Tower, Adelaide Road four years ago, where a fire jumped three floors up the outside cables.
Camberwell-tower_1448333c.jpg


_46009909_camberwell_fire3.jpg


Mind you, only one staircase in the block didn't help. RIP very sad
 
And now it seems council leaseholders, ie people who have bought their flats, will be landed with a bill for the fire improvements - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8440201.stm. I know that its their responsibility as private leaseholders and that they bought their flats at knock down prices but it does seem a bit harsh espeically as the people who bought in these blocks are likely to be some of the poorest owner occupiers.
 
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