Updated Statement on Grafton House fire
The fire started in a flat on the 12th floor of Grafton House, Mile End, at approximately 12.30 Friday 29 June 2018. The fire was effectively contained and extinguished by the London Fire Brigade (LFB). No residents were injured during the incident.
Grafton House is a 21 storey tower block of 130 homes, built in 1970. It was fully refurbished by EastendHomes approximately ten years ago. This work included the addition of external insulation and rendered cladding to improve the thermal efficiency of the building.
The incident began in the kitchen which was fully consumed by the fire. Extensive damage also occurred in the living room of the flat.
Initial information provided by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirms this was a very severe fire, effectively contained within the flat where it began with firefighters able to bring it under control quickly. The LFB have further advised that the building behaved as expected with all fire safety measures in place at the block performing as required. An earlier briefing on site confirmed that the fire retardant doors installed in the block were effective in containing the fire, as was the compartmentation of the block and, importantly, the external cladding.
Contrary to some reports in the media the 'Stay Put' policy remained in force at the block throughout the incident although a number of residents did leave the building during the incident, with fire service personnel assisting several residents.
Most residents were able to return to their homes later in the afternoon. EastendHomes arranged hotel accommodation over the weekend for a small number of residents directly affected by the fire. Work to the affected flats has continued over the weekend and, where necessary, alternative accommodation will be provided as soon as practicable for those residents unable to return to their homes.
EastendHomes would like to thank the London Fire Brigade for their speed and efficiency in resolving this potentially very serious incident. A full assessment of the incident at Grafton House will be undertaken by fire service investigators and we look forward to the report. EastendHomes will also continue to work in partnership with the fire service and other agencies to promote the importance of effective fire safety and prevention measures, particularly in high rise buildings.