Dagenham Tower Block Cladding Fire: A Call for Urgent Action on Building Safety

Published: 29/08/2024

This recent fire in a Dagenham tower block has reignited concerns over the safety of blocks of flats with unsafe cladding, as well as frustration over the prolonged timelines for remediation. The Dagenham block of flats has been known to have fire safety issues since 2020 as an external wall survey found that the block did not meet the functional requirements of Building Regulations at the time of construction. The blaze, which seems to have spread rapidly across the exterior of the building, underscores the persistent dangers associated with non-compliant & combustible cladding materials and the process of remediation itself.

Fortunately, swift action by emergency services ensured the safe evacuation of all residents. However, the incident has renewed calls for more to be done to ensure all non-compliant buildings are remediated and to ease the burden on residents who live in buildings still covered in unsafe cladding.

With so many buildings still at risk, you need to ensure your building complies with safety standards. Contact Harris Associates today to discuss how our expert facade remediation services can protect your property and its residents.

Dagenham Tower Block Fire

Image from London Fire Brigade

The Ongoing Cladding Crisis

According to recent government data, there are 4,092 buildings identified as having unsafe cladding and only 1,815 (44%) have initiated the remediation process, and a mere 863 (21%) of these have fully completed the necessary work. This leaves over 1,200 buildings taller than 18 metres with unsafe cladding alongside thousands of blocks of flats classified as Mid-Rise buildings between 11 and 18 meters in height, requiring some sort of fire safety and/or cladding remediation. In short, there are still thousands of residents at potential risk.

Despite multiple government initiatives, such as the Building Safety Fund and the Cladding Safety Scheme, progress has been hindered by a range of challenges, including funding limitations, technical difficulties, and changes in regulatory requirements.

Need for Updated Fire Safety Strategies

The recent fire in Dagenham, which occurred in a tower block that was nearing the end of the process of undergoing cladding remediation to replace combustible High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels, raises additional concerns. The fire, which is said to have originated in a ground-floor commercial unit, quickly spread up the exterior of the building. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have travelled via scaffolding and netting.

This incident highlights the need for comprehensive fire safety strategies and assessment in high-risk buildings to ensure that all materials used in the facade remediation process do not support combustion in a fire event. While scaffolding panels and netting are typically difficult to ignite, the heat generated by an active fire can turn them into conductors, spreading flames rapidly to higher panels. It`s understood that only the remedial scope of work included the top two levels of the timber-framed building’s external envelope. However, images illustrate that some external façade sections at lower levels also significantly suffered from the fire which raises questions about the adequacy of the external wall assessment and the scope of the remedial works.

Ground floor Dagenham Fire

Image from London Fire Brigade

Harris Associates: Expertise in Facade Remediation

Harris Associates provides a comprehensive solution for facade remediation through their specialised in-house team. With extensive experience and a proven track record in managing complex facade remediation projects, the firm is well-positioned to address the intricate challenges associated with replacing unsafe cladding. Over the past four years, Harris Associates has completed multiple remediation projects across the UK.

The firm's expertise spans the entire remediation process, from initial assessment following a detailed intrusive investigation to project completion. Our team comprises competent Chartered Building Surveyors, Facade Engineers, Technicians, and Project Managers who specialise in facade safety and compliance. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of a facade remediation project are managed effectively and efficiently.

A Proven Approach to Safe Facade Remediation

Harris Associates' ability to manage cladding remediation projects is rooted in their commitment to quality, safety, and compliance. Our in-house team structure allows us to maintain complete control over every stage of the project, ensuring seamless execution.

A key advantage of partnering with Harris Associates is our deep understanding of the regulatory landscape. Our firm is skilled in navigating the complex and evolving regulatory requirements related to cladding and facade safety, ensuring all remediation work is compliant with the latest building safety regulations and reducing the risk of future non-compliance.

Put your cladding remediation project in the hands of experienced professionals. Contact Harris Associates to learn more about our thorough, regulation-compliant approach to facade safety and safeguard your building.

Moving Forward: Addressing the Remaining Unsafe Cladding

The Dagenham tower block fire is a stark reminder that the issue of unsafe cladding remains unresolved. With thousands of buildings still requiring remediation, there is a pressing need for accelerated action and a thorough reassessment of existing fire safety strategies to ensure that all materials and design criteria involved in the remediation process are adequately considered.

For building owners and managers, collaborating with an experienced consultancy like Harris Associates can streamline the remediation process, ensuring that buildings are made safe for residents as promptly as possible. With their holistic approach to facade remediation, proven track record, and commitment to quality and safety with their industry-leading PI, Harris Associates stands ready to help building owners and managers navigate this complex challenge and lead the way in addressing the ongoing facade crisis.

About Harris Associates

Harris Associates is an award-winning RICS chartered consultancy offering a comprehensive range of services and is on the government-approved Fire Risk Assessor Panel. With expertise in statutory compliance, FRAEW’s, building surveying and quantity surveying, project management and façade consultancy, the firm delivers exceptional results for clients across all sectors.