As the UK prepares for the 4th September release of the final report of the inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, we explore the progress that’s been made in the wake of this devastating tragedy, which claimed 72 lives. 

The public inquiry, led by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, began in September 2017 and has been conducted in two phases. The first phase focused on the events of the night of the fire, while the second (and far lengthier) phase has examined the wider issues, including regulations and decisions leading up to the tragedy.

The much-anticipated final report is expected to provide crucial insights and recommendations for the future of building safety and accountability within the UK, however positive changes have already been set in motion since the disaster of June 14, 2017.

The UK government has introduced several reforms, including the Building Safety Act 2022, aimed at improving building regulations, accountability, and safety standards. It’s also allocated over £5 billion to remove unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings across the country, focusing initially on those with the most dangerous materials. And this process is still ongoing.

Just this week, on 26 August, London saw another cladded tower block engulfed by fire – this time in Dagenham. Thankfully there were no fatalities, although two people remain in hospital. The London Fire Brigade said the building was known to have a number of fire safety issues.

Fire breaks out in Dagenham: London Fire Brigade Commissioner Andy Roe said firefighters had faced a “very significant building failure.”

Last year the residential building had received a Fire Enforcement Notice, and non-compliance cladding was in the process of being removed. Government figures show that so far 50 per cent of the 4,600 buildings that were identified as having potentially unsafe cladding post Grenfell have had work to replace it either started or completed.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has said that that work “has to be sped up”.

RELATED: Seven years on from the Grenfell Fire tragedy

Here’s what we know about the Grenfell Fire tragedy and progress so far, ahead of the release of the final report on 4 September.

The incident and its timeline

  • The Grenfell Tower fire occurred in the early hours of June 14, 2017, in North Kensington, London. It broke out just before 1am and quickly spread throughout the 24-story residential building.
  • The fire started in a fourth-floor apartment due to a faulty fridge-freezer. The flames rapidly spread up the exterior of the building due to the combustible cladding installed during a renovation in 2016.
  • Firefighters were on the scene within six minutes of the first emergency call. Despite their efforts, the fire engulfed the building, and it burned for about 60 hours before being fully extinguished.

The human impact

The fire led to the deaths of 72 people, making it one of the deadliest structural fires in the UK since World War II. Victims ranged in age from an unborn baby to an 84-year-old woman.

More than 70 others were injured, and over 200 residents were displaced. Many survivors suffered from psychological trauma and health problems related to smoke inhalation and the loss of their homes.

Cladding and building safety failures

The rapid spread of the fire was primarily due to the building’s flammable aluminum composite material (ACM) cladding, which acted as a “chimney,” allowing the fire to move swiftly upward. This type of cladding failed safety tests conducted after the fire.

Grenfell Tower had undergone a £10 million refurbishment between 2012 and 2016, during which the cladding was installed. The materials used were cheaper, less fire-resistant options.

The inquiry into the fire found that the insulation materials and the way the cladding was installed were major contributors to the fire’s spread, and the building lacked adequate fire safety measures, such as sprinklers and fire alarms in individual apartments.

PROGRESS SO FAR

Stricter building regulations

In 2018, the government introduced a ban on the use of combustible materials in the exterior walls of new residential buildings over 18 metres tall. This measure was followed by the introduction of a new Building Safety Act in 2022, which aims to ensure higher standards of safety throughout the design, construction, and occupation phases of buildings.

The act also established a new Building Safety Regulator to oversee compliance, enforce the new rules, and ensure that residents’ voices are heard in matters concerning their safety.

A focus on cladding remediation

In the wake of Grenfell, the issue of dangerous cladding on high-rise buildings became a critical concern. By May 2024, over 90 per cent of buildings identified with the most dangerous cladding had either had it removed or had work underway. 

Improving fire safety and emergency response

The fire also prompted a reevaluation of fire safety practices and emergency response protocols. Fire and rescue services across the UK have since undergone extensive reviews, leading to the adoption of new, more rigorous standards.

The London Fire Brigade, for example, has implemented comprehensive training programs focused on high-rise fire response and evacuation procedures. The “Stay Put” policy, which came under scrutiny during the Grenfell inquiry, has been reassessed to ensure that guidance provided to residents in emergencies is clearer and based on the specific circumstances of each incident.

Strengthening resident advocacy

The Grenfell fire highlighted the need for residents’ voices to be heard in matters of building safety. In response, the government has mandated the creation of ‘Residents’ Panels‘, which give tenants a formal mechanism to raise concerns and provide input on safety matters. 

Cultural and social reforms

Beyond physical safety, the Grenfell fire has prompted a broader conversation about social justice and inequality in housing. It’s led to increased scrutiny of social housing conditions and a renewed commitment to improving the quality of life for those living in such accommodations. The tragedy has also sparked community-led initiatives aimed at ensuring that the memory of those lost is honoured and that their experiences serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.

 

COMING SOON: Fire Safety: Prioritising Prevention and Protection

Anchored by journalist Sharon Thomas, the programme will feature organisations that are at the forefront of the fire sector developing new technology, products and solutions to improve safety and support the sector, sharing reporter-led case study stories filmed on location.

‘Fire Safety: Prioritising Prevention and Protection’ will also feature contributions from industry thought leaders the Fire Industry Association (FIA), the Fire Protection Association (FPA) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).