The unusual design of Lakanal House in south London may have contributed to the rapid spread of fire in the tower block, it’s been revealed.
In a letter to local housing authorities, Terrie Alafat, head of housing at CLG, highlights the unusual design of the block built in 1959, which consists of 98 two-storey flats on 14 floors. The two-storey flats are arranged in a ‘scissor block’ style, served at alternate floors by a common corridor that leads to a central stairwell. An internal timber staircase gives access to the living room and kitchen on each flat’s upper floor.
Where the internal staircase passes over the corridor it cuts through the enclosure of the corridor, which could mean a breach of fire resisting construction, says Alafat. This arrangement could allow a fire in one of the flats to burn through the timber staircase and spread to the ceiling void.
The letter goes on to say that the need for and type of action to take is a matter for each local authority, bearing in mind their duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and wider health and safety obligations. However it highlights the fire integrity of private dwelling compartments, keeping common areas clear of combustible materials and the importance of smoke stopping, and the need for an up to date fire risk assessment as important factors.
The letter also asks local authorities to tell CLG how many of these types of block they own.
In Camberwell itself, fire safety improvements are already being carried out at Marie Curie House which is next door to Lakanal House.
The investigation into the cause of the fire on 3 July, which killed three women and three children, continues.
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