Timber-frame blamed for spread of blaze
The wooden-framed construction of homes has been blamed by firefighters for the spread of a blaze on an Essex council estate last week.
A fire on the Felmores Estate in Basildon last Monday damaged five homes. The fire started in a home in Bokingham Green and spread to two adjoining properties, while two further homes were smoke damaged. Firefighters spent around two hours bringing the fire under control. A woman was rescued by neighbours and it is not believed anybody was hurt.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the fire started in a ‘wooden-framed building’.
John Harris, assistant divisional officer at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: ‘Crews did a magnificent job in preventing the spread of fire – with the construction of the flats and the location of the flat where the fire started at the corner of the block, their prompt action undoubtedly went a long way in preventing more damage.’
Mandie Skeat, head of housing at Basildon Council, said investigations are underway to determine how the fire started.
The blaze could re-open debates about the safety of timber-frame construction. Concerns about the technique re-surfaced last June, when a partially constructed timber frame block of Guinness flats in Stockport went up in flames. A significant fire at a London & Quadrant timber frame site in Peckham, London, in November 2009 led to discussions between the Chief Fire Officers Association and the government about improving safety.
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