SERIOUS FIRE AT ZENITH BUILDING
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service attended the Zenith Building in the early hours of this morning (Friday 22 September) to reports of a fire.
This is the seventh fire related incident we have attended involving the Zenith Building since the tragic Grenfell Tower block fire that happened on 14 June 2017. Five crews from across the city stations responded to the fire. Whilst the previous six incidents have been identified as deliberate ignition, the cause of last night’s fire is still under investigation. However, the emerging findings suggest that this is yet another arson attack.
We are working closely with the police who are investigating all of these incidents because of their serious nature. Our specialist fire safety inspecting officers are carrying out a full review of the fire safety audit and providing reassurance to the residents who are clearly worried.
Steve Lunn, Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, said: “What is happening at the Zenith Building is alarming and extremely worrying. We are doing everything we can to make sure that the current spate of arson attacks is stopped.”
“My fear is that we are eventually going to be dealing with something very serious. We are working very closely with the police to eliminate any chance of further arson attacks happening.”
“I can assure you that resolving what is going on at the Zenith Building is a top priority for the fire and rescue service.”
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service want to reassure everybody that the safety of people in all buildings is an absolute priority and we will always respond to any concerns they have.
Operational crews have already visited the block to offer advice to residents about fire safety and to answer any concerns they have. We will continue to maintain contact with the residents.
You can find further information and advice on fire safety in high-rise properties on our website: www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk/your-safety/at-home.
ENDS
About the Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.
The Service’s prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents. In the last ten years, fire related incidents have reduced by 46 percent.
During 2015/16, the Service attended 666 road traffic collisions, of which 174 were extrications freeing 208 people trapped inside their vehicles and completed 5086 home fire safety checks, fitting almost 4481 smoke alarms. Staff organised or supported almost 1431 events aimed at promoting fire and road safety and arson prevention, whilst also visiting 332 schools to deliver fire and road safety education to pupils.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
0116 229 2178
corporate.communications@lfrs.org
