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