Grand Designs' Kevin McCloud admits we have technology that could have helped prevent the Grenfell Tower fire
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Kevin McCloud has explained why the safety systems failed in the Grenfell Tower fire and admitted we already had the technology to help prevent it.
The Grand Designs presenter believes the cladding used in the refurbishment changed the "nature of the building."
This meant that designs to protect residents and stop the flames from spreading did not work - leading to the horrific loss of lives.
The fire brigade and police have confirmed that there have been at least 12 fatalities after a huge blaze engulfed the 27-storey tower block overnight.
(Photo: ITV)
(Photo: Rex Features)
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he said: "The fire advice given to residents was to stay put which is a policy based on the idea the building can be compartmentalised.
"The fire can be contained in the building. It's safer to keep people away from the fire. This building had this compartments and was designed as such.
"With the cladding of course that was a totally new intervention. That changed the structure and nature of the building. we don’t know if the cladding itself was primarily responsible.
"It had materials that are fireproof are tested of course, but in this case it reached such fantastic temperatures so quickly that the flame did spread extremely quickly across the building.
"The temperatures of course are massive. It's far too early, its down to the fire experts to decide."
(Photo: ITV)
(Photo: Rex Features)
Kevin admitted "we have the technology" but not the money to implement appropriate sprinkler systems in tower blocks.
He also claimed the refurbishment "wasn't a cheap job" and was made by some of the finest builders and designers.
When asked if the fire was preventable, he said: "Yes, particularly since there are sprinkler systems now that are misting systems that don’t rely on mains pressure.
"They don't damage the contents of buildings as they create a blanket of mirror mist. They starve the fire of oxygen.
"We have the technology but it all costs money."
(Photo: ITV)
(Photo: PA)
Kevin also suggested that safety aspects weren't fully addressed ahead of the fire during an interview on Wednesday.
The Grand Designs presenter believes the cladding material that was used on the west London tower block was "clearly quite dangerous".
At this early stage the colourful plastic cladding, which was recently placed on the building as part of a major refurbishment.
(Photo: Channel 4)
Speaking on Good Morning Britain yesterday, Kevin said: "I think there are two principle issues which seem to be emerging.
"One is yes the residents had already realised that the exit routes from the building were inadequate. There’s only one point of exit for the entire building.
"They were all told that in the case of fire to stay in their flats - which seems bonkers.
(Photo: AFP)
"The other thing is the cladding, which we’re beginning to point towards as the culprit and describing as a plastic based product, it seems very strange that it should have gone up so quickly.
"Every single building site in this country has to be approved and go through some extremely rigorous testing thats to do with longevity, structural performance and also fire resistance.
"To see a material in 50 minutes across an entire building take flame like this and allow the flame to move so quickly, well this material is quite dangerous and clearly doesn’t perform."
(Photo: Rex Features)
The building expert said the retrospective fit of the cladding was not part of the original design and therefore "maybe the safety aspects weren't fully addressed".
He added: "When I woke up this morning I looked out to the north west and there was this great cloud of black - it was an astonishing sight.
"My first reaction on reading the news was this was a building made of timber or some industrial plant going up.
"To see a spread of flame move along a building so fast is that its a building full of highly flammable material or the building was built of materials that don’t meet approval."
(Photo: SWNS.com)
Good Morning Britain viewers have been left shocked over footage of an elderly man trapped in the burning London tower block.
Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid admitted they felt "helpless" as they watched the partially blind man, who is reportedly in his 70s, for hours as they dedicate the entire show to the Grenfell Tower fire.
The fire brigade have confirmed there have been fatalities after a huge blaze engulfed the 27-storey tower block in west London overnight.
The man, who has been identified by relatives, is believed to have lived in the tower for 30 years and was been seen praying at his window as he awaits help on the 11th floor.
(Photo: ITV)
(Photo: Rex Features)
Speaking over footage of the man, Susanna said: "He in his 70s, he's partially blind. He has lived in the Grenfell Tower for 30 years.
"Now we have seen him over the course of the last hour or so in contact with fire fighters."
The presenters have been joined by fire investigator Dr Peter Mansi for the duration of the programme.
Giving his opinion he said: "This could be where the fire is progressing to the unburnt materials and of course they are doing everything they can to stop it progressing to his flat."
(Photo: ITV)
The elderly gentleman is reportedly still alive despite the black smoke getting a lot darker and thicker.
Speaking earlier on today, Piers Morgan said: "You feel just helpless. We’ve been watching this guy for hours.
"The fire fighters are doing all they can, it goes without saying they're risking their lives, some of them may have lost their lives we don't know.
"We’ve been watching this guy for hours. Is there nothing else we can do to help him?"
Piers added: "I’ve got to say this smoke now is a lot thicker and blacker. It's been burning for six hours. you’ve got to really fear for anyone in those upper floors that was not able to get out."
(Photo: ITV)
The Good Morning Britain twitter account tweeted: "The elderly gentleman is now praying at his window as he waits for emergency services to save him # GrenfellTowerFire"
Viewers have taken to Twitter to express their shock over the distressing scenes.
One viewer said: "Heartbreaking for everyone to watch....!"
Another added: "This poor man, please get him out"
A third said: "God bless him ! Please get him out ! So sad !"