London Tower Block Fire: Grenfell Tower Resident interview

The transcript describes a witness's experience during a building fire. Initially, the witness heard screams and saw smoke, prompting an evacuation. Firefighters were actively rescuing people, but challenges arose due to debris and the fire's location. The witness relied on instincts to escape, noting the cladding's role in the fire's rapid spread. The cladding, added for aesthetic purposes, was believed to have exacerbated the fire's intensity.

What prompted the narrator to decide to evacuate the building?

• A fire alarm went off.

• He received a phone call warning him.

• He saw black smoke approaching.

• A firefighter knocked on his door.

What was one of the main challenges the narrator faced while trying to evacuate?

• There was no emergency lighting.

• The main entrance was locked.

• The fire escape was blocked by debris.

• The elevators were not working.

What was the condition of the stairwell during the evacuation?

• It was clear and easy to navigate.

• It was flooded with water.

• It was blocked by fallen debris.

• It was filled with smoke.

What was the suspected cause of the rapid spread of the fire?

• An unattended candle.

• Faulty electrical wiring.

• The building's cladding.

• A gas leak.

Why was the cladding originally installed on the building?

• To increase structural stability.

• To reduce noise pollution.

• To enhance the building's appearance.

• To improve insulation.