Firefighters have accused the Government of being ‘criminally complacent’ after a cladding fire in Wembley.
Around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were called out to attend the fire on Monday at a building managed by housing association Octavia.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has confirmed that cladding was involved.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: ‘The Fire Brigades Union warned of the risks of flammable cladding many years before the terrible Grenfell Tower fire. 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 statement on Brent Council’s website said: ‘We continue to work directly with the housing association Octavia, who manage these properties. Our priority is the safety of the residents and helping to offer them safe spaces to stay until they are allowed back to their homes.’
A Government spokesperson said: ‘Our thoughts are with affected residents at this very difficult time, and we are in close contact with the London Fire Brigade, council and other agencies on the ground on the latest operational developments.
‘Thankfully everyone was safely evacuated, and we will work with the relevant agencies to urgently understand what happened and why in this incident.’
Check out: Balancing safety and innovation after Grenfell.
