In June 2017, a devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in west London claimed the lives of 72 individuals in the deadliest residential fire in Britain since World War II. The fire broke out in the early hours of June 14 and rapidly spread, engulfing the 25-story high-rise apartment building. The inquiry into the tragic incident commenced soon after the fire.

Following the fire, concerns were raised about the flammable cladding made of aluminum composite material that was recently installed during building refurbishments, as well as the advice for residents to stay in their apartments as the fire spread quickly. Prime Minister Theresa May announced a public inquiry, appointing Martin Moore-Bick to lead it.

Subsequent events included the appointment of Judith Hackitt to review building regulations, the widening of the criminal investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police, and recommendations for fire safety reforms to prevent similar tragedies. The inquiry also highlighted the failures in safety systems and emergency response during the fire, leading to valuable recommendations for legislative changes and improved safety measures.

Years after the Grenfell Tower fire, efforts were made to address the dangers of combustible cladding, with funds allocated to remove unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings. The slow progress in ensuring building safety and addressing fire hazards, however, remained a cause for concern for survivors, bereaved families, and campaigners advocating for improved safety standards in residential buildings.

As the Grenfell inquiry’s final report was released in September 2024, government figures revealed the slow pace of removing dangerous cladding from buildings in England, underscoring the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of residents in high-rise buildings. An incident in east London, where a fire broke out in a building undergoing cladding removal, served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with combustible materials in buildings.