Watford Housing Annual Fire Checks at Meriden Flats was after Grenfell
Residents tell what happened @WayneThe Watford Community Housing has now commented to us in an email today. Following a fire which broke out on the top floor of the Meriden Abbey View Block of Flats on 26th June.
They say the last fire safety check took place on Thursday 22nd June, after the outbreak of Grenfell Tower on the 14th June, and before the Meriden fire on the 26th.
"Our high-rises are subject to a Fire Risk Assessment annually, and was already scheduled before Grenfell"
WCHT corresponent also replied to our report of residents comments about a plan to fit cladding.
"There was never any intention to install cladding on the high rises, and therefore any reports to the contrary are inaccurate."
So far many tower blocks tested after the Grenfell disaster have failed, 100% 0f 64 blocks.
The fire service even said the Smoke Alarm did not go off.
Video: Residents say no checks since Grenfell fire, and cladding plans
Balcony area burnt away. @Wayne
The flat was occupied by ex-caretaker of the hi-rises and his wife (who suffers from dementia but is currently away). He reported the fire, exited and closed fire door. No one was injured.
Residents feel safer than they would in London tower blocks.
Smoke bellows as the fire is extinguished, but the flat was gutted and burnt out.
WCHT is attending a meeting being held by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service at the Meriden Community Centre on 6th July at 7pm.
Everyone will be welcome to attend, and the meeting will cover fire safety tips and information relating to the high- and low-rise buildings on the Meriden.
Trust staff will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.
Four Fire engines from Garston Watford St Albans and Kings Langley, and local community police attended Garsmouth Way Garston fire in high rise building.
Mayor Dorothy Thornhill has asked for confirmation that visits to the high-rise blocks have taken place since the Grenfell Tower fire!!, whether sprinkler systems are installed or would be in the future.
If you have a fire or see smoke in your flat:
- leave the room where the fire is straight away, and then close the door
- tell everyone in your home and get them to leave
- close the front door of your flat behind you
- don't stay behind to put the fire out
- always use the stairs, not the lift
- call the fire service and wait outside, well away from the building.
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