TRIBUTES have been paid to the victims of the fire which tore through a Grenfell Tower residential block in London in the early hours of Wednesday.
West Midlands Fire Service released the following statement after the tragedy: “Our thoughts, prayers and deep sympathies are with the many victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in London overnight.
“More than 200 firefighters have been tackling the blaze in north Kensington. Dozens of families are believed to live in the building.”
Phil Loach, chief fire officer for the West Midlands, said: “The images emerging from the scene are truly horrific. Our hearts go out to the many victims.
“Fires in high-rise blocks are among the most challenging and hostile incidents we can expect to deal with. Our thoughts are with our London Fire Brigade colleagues and all emergency responders involved in this major incident.”
He added the firefighters train regularly to be able to respond to such calls within five minutes and work closely with the landlords and owners of tower blocks throughout the Midlands to help them do all they can to ensure the safety of people who live or work in them.
Meanwhile, it is confirmed 17 people have died – and this number is expected to rise.
Following the incident, hundreds of people have rallied to offer their support, donating food, clothes and toys.
Online fundraisers have also raised over £1 million for the families affected by the fire.
The police have provided this link offering advice on fire safety at home www.wmfs.net/your-safety/at-home/fire-safety/
