Estimates from the British government show that 600 other high-rise buildings in the country could be covered in similar cladding to that used on Grenfell Tower, which became engulfed in flames last week in London.

Following the June 14 fire, the British government asked owners of tower blocks around Britain to send in samples of any cladding material used on their buildings for testing.

As of Thursday morning, authorities have found combustible cladding on at least three tower blocks, according to British officials.

Samples of cladding tested

British Prime Minister Theresa May said the government can test at least 100 samples per day, and the relevant local agencies for those combustible samples have been notified.

“As I speak, they are taking all possible steps to ensure buildings are safe and to inform affected residents,” she said.

British police and fire officials are still trying to determine whether the cladding at Grenfell Tower led to the rapid spread of the fire throughout the building. It took less than an hour for the entire building to become engulfed in flames.

At least 79 people are presumed dead in the fire at the public housing building.

The 1974 concrete building had recently been fitted with new insulation cladding. Survivors of the building claim that cheap materials for the cladding and a lack of maintenance on the building were to blame for the fatal fire.

May has promised a public inquiry into the disaster as police investigate whether any criminal offenses were committed.

For any guilty parties there will be nowhere to hide,” she said. [Read More]

—–
Source: VOA News: Labor