A fire that broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in London caused the deaths of 72 people and left hundreds of people homeless.
In 2017, a fire that broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower in London caused the deaths of 72 people and left hundreds of people homeless. The fire spread quickly due to the flammable materials used in the building's exterior cladding. Despite the fire brigade's intervention, the flames could not be brought under control because the building's fire safety measures were inadequate. The fire alarm systems did not work effectively, and fire exits were not properly arranged. More importantly, it was revealed that the occupants of the building were not sufficiently informed about the fire. This disaster sparked a huge social backlash in the UK and led to harsh criticism from the government. However, Grenfell did not remain just a tragedy; it also opened the door to comprehensive reforms in fire safety. *** Let's talk about the measures taken across the UK after the Grenfell fire... ✅ Billions of pounds were allocated from the state budget to identify and replace flammable facade materials, and all buildings were comprehensively inspected. ✅ The facade materials of 15,000 buildings were replaced, and fire alarm systems were renewed in all high-rise buildings. (This project is still ongoing) ✅ Fire safety laws were tightened; building managers were required to carry out regular risk assessments. ✅ Inspections were increased, and heavy fines were imposed on building owners who use non-fire-resistant materials. ✅The equipment of the fire department was renewed, and the personnel was strengthened with comprehensive training. ✅ Public awareness campaigns were launched; training was provided to wide audiences from schools to workplaces. The level of public awareness has increased significantly thanks to the education campaigns; many businesses started to see fire safety as a necessity rather than a cost. In short, the sense of responsibility in the UK after Grenfell has created a strong bond between the state, society and companies.