Camden Evacuation: Was This Necessary?

First things first. Grenfell Tower need not have happened if notice had been taken of tenants and occupiers, and proper judgment had been exercised about fire safety measures during and after the refurbishment. There is little doubt that both local and national governments have questions to answer; the police are now investigating and there is talk of manslaughter charges. The Fire Service is in the frame because it appears they carried out inspections and the building passed. Together with the police investigation, the Public Inquiry will discover how it all went so badly wrong and why, and who is to blame.

All across the country Tower blocks at risk are being identified, including those in Camden, a borough with a good reputation and keen to do the right thing. Suddenly the fire service phones the leader and tells her that it ‘cannot guarantee the safety’ of the people in these buildings and immediate evacuation is demanded. Never mind they have fire patrols 24/7 and were willing to pay for fire engines to be stationed at the ready by each block. Never mind that the council was willing to do anything demanded of them to allow the tenants to remain overnight so that an orderly evacuation with adequate alternative accommodation could be arranged. No said the fire bosses. Everybody out. Now. With no warning, or preparation, just banging on doors and shouted orders as harassed officials had to drive 4000 people from their homes, there was chaos, anger and very real distress.

Surely this cannot have been necessary in practice. These buildings were not about to burst into flames. Is there a good reason which has not been made clear? Falling short of the required standard and needing immediate upgrade is not doubted, but flight into the night?