The continuous costs associated with fire patrols in residential tower blocks have proven to be a financial burden for many flat owners. In the aftermath of the tragic Grenfell fire, which resulted in the loss of 72 lives, over 180 residential buildings in London have introduced fire patrols, also referred to as waking watches, due to failure to pass safety inspections.
James Greenwood, a resident within one of these buildings, has expressed his concerns, highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding the expenses and the parties responsible for covering these costs. The management firm overseeing Greenwood’s block, Gallions Approach, has defended the necessity of the patrols for fire safety and has assured that they will be terminated by September 2024.
In light of the need for additional precautions in buildings with flammable materials, the London Fire Brigade has mandated the implementation of waking watches. These patrols involve the hiring of personnel to continuously monitor the building 24/7 for signs of fire and to alert residents for evacuation if necessary.
Waking watches serve as temporary safety measures until combustible exterior cladding and insulation can be addressed by construction crews. This concern came to the forefront following the Grenfell fire investigation, which revealed hazardous materials and general fire safety deficiencies across the UK, prompting immediate safety enhancements in vulnerable residential buildings.
One such building undergoing remediation and waking watches is the Royal Quay, a 447-unit apartment complex near Royal Docks. The replacement of flammable cladding has raised concerns among residents, particularly with regards to the growing costs and service charges that leaseholders are likely to bear.
According to Mr. Greenwood, the service charge for residents has increased by 130% in the past six years, resulting in financial strain for many occupants. The rising costs of ground rent and service charges have further strained residents, making it difficult for them to afford these expenses.
The London Fire Brigade has reported that 1,279 buildings are currently under “simultaneous evacuation,” where the entire building must be evacuated in the event of a fire due to inadequate fire protection such as flammable cladding. Waking watches are required in 124 buildings over 18 metres high and 61 buildings less than 18 metres high in London.
Gallions Approach has clarified that the waking watches were implemented at the insistence of the London Fire Brigade, following the discovery of flammable polystyrene insulation in the external walls of the buildings. The staff conducting the waking watches are paid the minimum wage and are scheduled to be discontinued once the remediation works are completed in September 2024.
