Firefighters Developing Plans To Tackle Tall Buildings

Friday, 8 March 2024 10:55

Firefighters are to assess the risks in tall and complex buildings in Jersey and develop action plans to assist with tackling fires.

Owners and managers of high-rise buildings are being urged to help develop plans on how firefighters could best tackle a blaze if one broke out in their property.

By sharing information about the building, such as its structure, layout and escape routes, the emergency service can arrive on scene better equipped.

Property information will be stored digitally to allow fire crews to access the file and begin instigating tactical operations en-route to an incident.

Physical copies of buildings' details will also be kept inside a Secure Information Box (SIB) inside the property to provide the Incident Commander with vital information in the early stages of an emergency.

Fire Safety Protection Lead, Station Commander Ryan Hall says it follows recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

"It is really important that we follow and adopt the recommendations following the tragic Grenfell Tower incident.

With an increasing built environment, premises information is going to be critical for the safety of our crews and the residents.

Having this information en-route, and when we initially arrive, will give Commanders the important knowledge of the buildings' characteristics and enable them to make informed decisions to aid in a more rapid response when dealing with incidents in tall buildings."

There is no legal requirement for building managers and property owners to make these plans and install a SIB, however the Fire and Rescue Service highly recommends it to better protect the lives of residents and the structure of the buildings.