In Madrid, a fire at an apartment complex in the Spanish city of Valencia has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 10 people. This incident has drawn comparisons to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, sparking concerns about fire safety standards and the materials used in cladding.
Here is an overview of what is currently known about the fire and the devastation it has caused.
HOW DID THE FIRE BEGIN?
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire and where it originated within the building. A series of videos posted online show that the blaze started on the ninth floor balcony of the taller tower at 5:37 pm local time on Thursday.
The fire quickly spread to the balcony below within minutes, engulfing a significant portion of the building within a short amount of time. By 6:22 pm, the flames had reached the adjacent smaller tower.
WHY DID THE FIRE SPREAD RAPIDLY?
Experts suggest that the combination of strong winds, canvas balcony coverings, and composite cladding on the building’s facade likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Ivan Cabrera, from Valencia University’s School of Architecture, emphasized the need for changes in fire safety regulations similar to those implemented in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
The Grenfell Tower fire in London, which claimed the lives of 71 people, was attributed in part to the highly flammable cladding used on the building’s exterior.
HOW MANY CASUALTIES HAVE THERE BEEN?
At least 10 fatalities have been confirmed from the initial inspection of the apartment complex in Valencia. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and the mayor of Valencia has stated that all residents have been located.
A total of 105 people who lost their homes in the fire have been relocated to nearby hotels, while several individuals, including firefighters, sustained injuries during the blaze.
BACKGROUND OF THE APARTMENT COMPLEX
The apartment complex is situated in a relatively new residential area of Valencia, developed within the past two decades. The complex comprises two buildings of 14 and 10 floors connected by a panoramic lift and featuring a communal swimming pool.
The developer, FBEX, constructed the building in 2008 during Spain’s property boom, but subsequently went bankrupt in 2010. The majority of the flats were sold off by creditor banks, with little success in contacting the original owners.
CONCERNS ABOUT MATERIALS USED
Valencia’s city council has not responded to inquiries regarding the materials utilized in the construction of the building. However, experts have noted potential issues with the lack of firewalls and the use of polyurethane beneath aluminium cladding, which can facilitate the spread of fire.
Inspection reports have highlighted the propensity for polyurethane to ignite and drip fiery particles downwards, exacerbating the flames. Despite conflicting reports, the Spanish Association of Rigid Polyurethane Industry has denied that polyurethane was present in the cladding.
Overall, the incident has reignited concerns about fire safety standards and the materials used in construction, prompting calls for greater oversight and regulation.
(Writing by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Gareth Jones)
