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UK: All building cladding samples tested failed fire safety

LONDON (AP) – Britain’s government is urging local officials across the country to submit samples of tower block cladding “as a matter of urgency” after tests found that all cladding samples so far have failed fire safety tests.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said all 34 samples tested didn’t meet fire safety standards. The national testing was ordered after a June 14 fire engulfed Grenfell Tower in London, killing at least 79 people.

A public inquiry has been ordered to determine how the unsafe cladding was allowed to be fitted in the first place. . . . (more)

Every British high-rise tested fails fire safety regulations

The Daily Mail – Fears Grenfell Tower’s ‘flammable’ insulation and smoke-filled stairwell were as dangerous as cladding as 40,000 people face evacuation from their homes

Grenfell Tower’s insulation and narrow stairwell could have proved just as deadly as the block’s much-maligned cladding, it has been revealed.
Early tests carried out by police as part of a criminal investigation into the disaster found the insulating material behind the panels was even more flammable.

The Telegraph – Fire investigators believe the unusual design of Grenfell Tower created a chimney effect that led to the fire engulfing the building in minutes.
A well-placed source has told The Telegraph that cladding placed over ‘triangular’ shaped concrete columns may have created a void which sucked up the flames.

VIDEO: Gone in 60 seconds: Video compares British-style plastic fridge fireball with contained metal-backed US model

Footage showing how swiftly a British-style plastic-backed fridge-freezer can turn into a raging fireball has surfaced following the Grenfell Tower blaze that killed at least 79 people.

Government ‘in abrupt policy U-turn over fire safety in schools’ after the Grenfell Tower disaster

The Mirror – Hospitals across Britain ‘exposing patients to same fire risks as Grenfell Tower after cutting corners on safety’
In one case, chiefs at Hereford County Hospital fought to keep details of fire safety flaws secret after an enforcement notice was served on their PFI partner Mercia Healthcare

Meanwhile, the residents in the 4 tower blocks ordered vacated “for renovation” don’t trust the orders, the orderers or their safety is the motive for the action.

LATEST: Residents say tensions are rising as evacuation of towers continues

UPDATE 12.35pm: Residents yet to be evacuated from four tower blocks have claimed they are being intimidated by security guards, and that tensions are rising, as the operation to clear the buildings continues.
Around 20 households are yet to vacate their homes, with tenant Mandy Ryan claiming a security guard tried to intimidate her as she took her dogs for a walk on Sunday.
Ms Ryan, who shares her 22nd-floor flat in Dorney with her son, said the whole experience of the evacuation so far was “disruptive” and said she has encountered problems.
“I was bullied this morning trying to leave the building, he (the security guard) stood in front of the door and guys surrounded him and he said ‘we need to know who you are’,” she told the Press Association. . . . (more)

LINK –  https://youtu.be/mmzz3RFTAT0

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