Superb Article about Grenfell - A firefighters viewpoint

[merchant_banker]

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/gr ... 97276.html

[TLR]

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/gr ... 97276.html

I agree, a voice of informed reason against the tide of class warrior hysteria.

[Jimgward]

While this expert knows most of what he’s talking about, he strays into the realms of commenting on the panels etc. Which is outside his remit.

It is now well known that these towers had no sprinkler systems, a requirement in high rises in Scotland, for example. The cladding was also chosen purely on cost against safety. Also, it was incorrectly fitted, as were the first stops in roof spaces, following refurbishment. These points should lead to convictions.

[Dominic]

Why is it outside his remit to comment on a panel if somebody on the panel has accused the fire service of racism?

[kingfisher]

I understood he was talking about the panels installed on the tower?

[Jimgward]

Sorry, I was.... in the cladding panels

[Dominic]

Ah ok. My mistake.

[merchant_banker]

While this expert knows most of what he’s talking about, he strays into the realms of commenting on the panels etc. Which is outside his remit.

It is now well known that these towers had no sprinkler systems, a requirement in high rises in Scotland, for example. The cladding was also chosen purely on cost against safety. Also, it was incorrectly fitted, as were the first stops in roof spaces, following refurbishment. These points should lead to convictions.

As a retired firefighter - its clear from the article the author was experienced in the Fire Safety of buildings and hence qualified to comment on the panels.

A very simple summary of the incident is that the firefighters were let down by lack of structural fire resistance in the building and the failure to maintain the fire precautions is the building. I also suspect some of the residents had not respected the structural fire resistance and fire safety provisions/ rules.

As a result of this, the firefighters had to risk their own lives to rescue people. The stresses that the firefighters bodies were under, working in extremely high pressure for long periods was colossal.

The suggestion that firefighters are racist is just to deflect attention from the real issue.

[Jimgward]

I have tremendous respect for firefighters, especially in Cities and having to go into a situation like this.

I also have great sympathy for the regimes they are now pout under, under H&S, where decisions are taken from them. I.e. they cant deviate from certain actions. We know they are incredibly brave and in Grenfell, most broke the rules to endanger themselves and save lives. I cannot comprehend where the racist aspertions have come from. Shocking.