[F]ollowing the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower there was a national instruction to all fire and rescue services to urgently review any high rise buildings in their areas.
In Cumbria there are only two buildings classed as high rise – meaning over six stories. One is the Civic Centre in Carlisle and the other is Sand Aire House, a privately owned residential block of flats in Kendal.
Councillor Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council said: “Fire safety audits have now been carried out on both buildings and neither building has the type of exterior cladding used on Grenfell Tower.
“As well as this, here in Cumbria, our Fire Service is coordinating and supporting risk reviews on council buildings, prioritising schools and our care homes. We have also been working closely with other organisations, including the NHS, to prioritise and coordinate risk based inspections on their Medical Centres, Hospitals, Business and Community Centres.
“I would like to thank our staff in the Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response and assessment of these buildings, despite a significant increase in demand on their services in recent weeks.
“I know that the Chairman has already written to the Chair of Kensington and Chelsea council to express our condolences to those affected and offer support, I would like to echo that.”
