Last week's fire in Camberwell should set alarms hooting for building owners and the industry. Although it's too early to say why this fire was so devastating, some facts are emerging: for example there were reports of rubbish in escape corridors and fire doors propped open in a neighbouring block. The fire also raises questions of what can be done to make these old buildings safer (this one was built in 1959 and refurbished two years ago). In Scotland, every refurbishment must comply with the latest fire regulations. To follow its example would be hugely expensive in this country, but we ought to require smoke alarms at the very least. Building owners need to get their act together, too; every resident should understand the risks and how to get out if the worst should happen.
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