In the early hours of Monday morning, 40 fire engines and 225 firefighters were deployed to tackle a fire at a high-rise residential building in Dagenham, east London, which saw more than 80 people evacuated and two people taken to hospital.
According to preliminary investigations, the fire may have started from building materials kept on the scaffolding, which accelerated the spread due to the materials' flammability and the scaffolding's open, vertical structure, which can operate as a chimney. This event comes just days before the Grenfell Tower Phase 2 report is published, raising concerns about the efficacy of fire safety systems in place during the building and restoration phases.
The IFE would like to express our deepest concerns and support to those affected in the Dagenham community. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this event.
Fire Risk in Construction and Renovation
Buildings under construction or in renovation pose unique fire dangers that differ from those seen in completed and occupied structures. Fire protection equipment such as sprinklers and alarms are frequently unavailable during construction, making the building and its surroundings vulnerable to rapid fire spread. The use of temporary building materials, the presence of fuels and accelerants, and the lack of permanent fire prevention measures all contribute to an increased danger.
Scaffolding Fire Risks
Scaffolding is an essential component of construction and renovation projects, however, it can also dramatically increase the risk of fire in various ways:
Vertical Spread of Fire: Scaffolding can operate as a chimney, funnelling flames upwards and allowing for rapid vertical spread. This is a particular risk in multi-story structures, as fire can spread to upper floors.
Combustible Materials: Scaffolding is commonly used to support a variety of construction materials, some of which are highly flammable. Wooden planks, plastic sheeting, and other combustible materials stored on or near scaffolding can quickly catch fire and spread. Structural Integrity: The heat from a fire can weaken the scaffolding, causing it to collapse. This can lead to further damage to the building and increase the risk of injury to anyone nearby.
Access and Egress Issues: Scaffolding can also obscure escape routes and access points, delaying evacuation attempts and perhaps impeding firefighting operations.
Temporary Wiring and Equipment: Construction sites frequently use temporary electrical wiring and equipment, which can be less secure than permanent installations. If these temporary setups are not adequately safeguarded or maintained, they can become ignition sources, particularly when close to flammable materials on scaffolding.
The Dagenham fire demonstrated how these risks could come together to create a rapidly escalating fire that threatens both the building under construction and adjacent properties.
Previous CROSS report
A CROSS report from 2023 conducted an investigation regarding the assessment process when scaffolding is present around an occupied building.
Key learning outcomes:
- A holistic risk assessment must be carried out when adding combustible materials to the external face of a building, evaluating the risk of fire spread.
- The potential for sheeting or other elements to have a negative impact on fire safety systems, such as smoke vents, must be considered
- Contractors should be cognisant with HSE’s guidance document
Click here to view the full report from CROSS.