Grenfell grant buys life-saving smoke curtains for Nottinghamshire firefighters

The curtains, which are designed to hold back smoke while people escape, will be introduced on Sunday, August 1, once NFRS has completed the necessary training.

Smoke curtains are particularly useful in high-rise buildings due to the potentially complex nature of these rescues.

The Government has given NFRS nearly £100,750 to buy smoke curtains and other equipment designed specifically for tackling fires in high-rise buildings, following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase One report.

Smoke hoods, which were introduced earlier this year, were successfully used for the first time in a fire in the Radford area of Nottingham last month to rescue a woman.

Chris Emmott, group manager, said: “The smoke hoods have already proved their worth and we expect smoke curtains will be just as useful.

"This equipment could save many lives in future.

"Purchasing special equipment to tackle fires in high-rise buildings is just one of many ways we are meeting the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase One report.”

The blaze at Grenfell Towers, in North West London, broke out on the 24th floor of the high-rise council building, broke out in June, 2017, leading to the deaths of 72 people.

More information about the service’s response to the Grenfell inquiry can be found in a report to the meeting of the Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire and Rescue Authority here.

Editor’s message: Support your Chad by becoming a digital subscriber. You will see 70 per cent fewer ads on stories, meaning faster load times and an overall enhanced user experience. Click here to subscribe.