Grenfell Tower fire: Edinburgh fire safety set for review

A review of fire safety and evacuation procedures is to be carried out in all of Edinburgh's housing blocks following a major blaze in London in which at least six people have died.

The 'horrendous' blaze struck the 27-storey Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road, White City, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Picture: SWNS

More than 70 people have been taken to hospital for treatment after a fire broke out at Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road shortly before 1am this morning (Wednesday).

Forty fire engines and more than 200 firefighters attended to tackle the blaze, with the Met Police later confirming that at least six people had been died as a result of the inferno.

A review of fire safety in the Capital’s apartment blocks will now be held as a “precaution”.

A spokesman for the city council said they were “deeply saddened” by today’s tragic events in London.

They said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

“Understandably the events in London this morning have caused concern and some distress and our local housing teams have been on hand today to provide reassurance and advice to tenants living in city tower blocks.

“Regular inspections are carried out by the Fire Service and housing concierge teams and the council’s health and safety team regularly audits multi-storey services.

“However, as a further precaution, we will be carrying out a review of fire safety and evacuation procedures in all of our housing blocks.

“Of course it may be some time before investigations into the cause of the London fire pinpoint exactly what happened.

“The council will work closely with the Fire Service to ensure that the results of those investigations are included in our review of safety in city tower blocks.”