Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
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Denham welcomes Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser’s report into tragic Camberwell fire
Communities and Local Government Secretary John Denham today welcomed the publication of Sir Ken Knight’s report into issues emerging from the Camberwell fire.
Sir Ken Knight, the Government’s Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser said:
“Fortunately a fire of the type that occurred at Lakanal House, Camberwell with such tragic outcomes is a very rare event in England or the UK. I hope that the scope of the subsequent Coroner’s Inquest will be wide enough to cover all aspects of this tragic incident to satisfy both the concerns of the local community and to ensure that lessons can be learnt for the future.”
Communities and Local Government Secretary John Denham said:
“Following the terrible tragedy in Camberwell I asked the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser, Sir Ken Knight, to undertake an independent review of the investigations into the fire. Sir Ken has now reported to me on the issues emerging from this incident, and I am publishing these today. I will be carefully considering these issues and will look to take any follow-up actions that are needed. I welcome this work and would like to thank Sir Ken and his team for all that they have done.
“It is clear to me that it is critical to have as full an Inquest as possible into the deaths caused by this tragic incident and that the circumstances surrounding the fire must be rigorously examined. The Government is keen to provide whatever assistance it can in this matter.”
Mr Denham’s Department has the lead role in Whitehall in working with fire and rescue authorities to reduce fire deaths and injuries, and the oversight of the work of local authorities in their role as social landlords. Since the fire, Communities and Local Government have written to all Local Authorities and Fire and Rescue Authorities reminding them about fire safety precautions they should be taking and advising their residents to take.
Notes to Editors
1. On Monday 6 July, Communities and Local Government Secretary John Denham asked the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser, Sir Ken Knight, to provide an independent overview of progress with the fire investigations into the tragic fire at Lakanal House, Havil Street, Camberwell on Friday 3 July. He asked Sir Ken to report back to him on progress and emerging findings as a matter of urgency.
2. Sir Ken’s Terms of Reference for his report included the fire safety matters applicable to this building and consideration of operational procedures at this incident in relation to the appropriateness of current national guidance, training and procedures.
3. CLG has today published the emerging issues from Sir Ken’s report. These can be found at www.communities.gov.uk/fire/resilienceresponse/camberwellfire/
4. The inquest into the fire in Lakanal House opened on Wednesday 15 July at Southwark Coroners Court. The Deputy Coroner, Dr Adela Williams opened proceedings by reading out the statements of identity of the deceased followed by hearing a short Police statement informing the Court that police and fire authority investigations were continuing.
5. Counsel for the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government attended the opening and said that the Secretary of State was keen that any lessons learnt would be acted on and offered the Coroner any assistance the Department's officials could give.
6. The inquest was then adjourned to a date to be fixed.
Contacts:
Erica McAlpine
Phone: 020 7944 3288 Out of hours: 020 7944 5945
press.office@communities.gsi.gov.uk
Communities Local Government
NDS.CLG@coi.gsi.gov.uk
