Residents in fears over fire safety after tragedy
HIGH-RISE residents fear they may not be protected enough if a blaze broke out in their flats.
Some tenants i n city multi-storeys say they are still concerned about safety following the Grenfell tragedy, despite reassurances from landlords.
Following an Evening Times investigation, we reported yesterday that only two of 148 blocks in the city are fitted with sprinklers anywhere other than in bin areas.
Many housing associations, including Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), Southside, Maryhill and ng homes, said they would wait for the outcome of the Grenfell and Scottish Government probes before making a decision on whether to retrofit costly fire safety devices.
Cube housing has already started a programme of work to fit sprinklers into its bin areas, which are on the ground floor of their 15 high-rises.
All multi-storeys and high-rises at all housing associations are fitted with smoke detectors in each flat, as well as fire doors which prevent fire spread for up to 60 minutes.
Andy Gallagher, who lives in Waddell Court, which is run by the New Gorbals Housing Association, said he would welcome the installation of sprinklers.
The 54-year-old, who has lived in the flats for the last 12 years, said: “The sprinkler thing, I hadn’t even thought about it until Grenfell.
“I would have imagined there were some in the hallways until we found out it wasn’t there.
“The only problem is, in the buildings, even though you are not allowed to smoke, people do anyway and so they might set off the sprinklers.
“But I think if it could help put out fires quickly, and stop them spreading, then really it would be a good idea.”
Andy lived in Waddell court in 2009 when a blaze broke out, killing a 61-yearold man.
He said: “It was quite frightening, we had to be evacuated to the sports hall.
“I had to be treated for smoke inhalation, and I hadn’t even seen the smoke. If I had been sleeping I could have died.”
A young mum who lives in Moss Heights in Cardonald, which is run by South Side housing association, also contacted the Evening Times with concerns.
She said: “I think the fact there are no sprinklers here is concerning.
“We just want to make sure everything is safe in our flats and if something happens we can get out.
“I have two young kids, so it is a concern. I’m on my own as well so wouldn’t necessarily be able to get out easily with both my kids.”
Isabella McTaggart, the chairwoman of the Glenavon residents’ association, said she would welcome sprinklers but added that she feels “comfortable” in her flat.
She said Maryhill Housing Association, which runs Glenavon – a set of 20-storey tower blocks in Maryhill – contacted all its residents in high rises following the fire, and reassured them.
They also carry out regular fire safety checks, and every property is installed with smoke alarms.
Isabella said: “The housing has been really good with keeping up to date with developments, and after Grenfell they wrote within two days explaining about what safety measures are in our flats.
“I think sprinklers would be a really good idea, but whether or not they would be able to get them in I don’t know.
“If they offered sprinklers to go in I’m sure everybody would be delighted.”