LFB closes down 'death trap' homes

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has moved to close down a number of commercial buildings being used as homes in north-west London.

The brigade described the homes on an industrial estate in the Alperton area of the capital as presenting some of the "worst fire risks safety officers have seen".

LFB said approximately 150 people were found living in six separate premises in the area. They are in the process of being re-housed.

Safety inspectors issued prohibition notices, which stop the buildings being used as living accommodation.

The brigade was alerted to the problem following a fire in an office block on Mount Pleasant at the end of October where firefighters rescued six people.

Officers found virtually no fire safety features inside, such as fire protection between different floors, and "extremely limited" means of escape.

London Fire Brigade’s assistant commissioner for fire safety regulation, Steve Turek, said: "The complete contempt some landlords appear to have for the safety of those families they are taking money from is incredible.

"These buildings are potential death traps and it's lucky nobody was killed as a result. Officers visiting these premises have described the breaches of fire safety as some of the worst they have ever seen." ADNFCR-3406-ID-801208160-ADNFCR

Article courtesy of Aviva PLC. Published 14-11-2011


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