Camden New Journal - NewS: Trapped

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Camden New Journal - by PAUL KEILTHY
Published: 5 July 2007

Trapped in tower as smoke fills escape route

RESIDENTS trapped in a blazing tower block when fire escape stairways filled with smoke have attacked the council for failing to replace missing and broken fire doors.
Firefighters in breathing apparatus led 38 people from Bucklebury block in Stanhope Street, Regent’s Park, when an eighth-floor flat was gutted by a blaze two weeks ago which filled the floors and flats above with choking smoke.
The flats have two fire escape stairwells, but both filled with fumes, driving residents back into their homes. Mother-of-three Ferehiwo Abebe, 36, said: “The fire doors don’t close, and they are the only safety in this place. There are no alarms. Some people didn’t even know about the fire until someone knocked on their door.” One man was treated for smoke inhalation
Last week, council officials admitted they did not know how long two fire doors on the stairwells had been missing, or how long several fire doors had been damaged to the point where they would not shut. Residents are organising a petition demanding action.
A Camden press official said: “We are aware some doors in the stairwells have been damaged and that two doors are missing. We are working with our contractors to repair and replace doors as a matter of priority.”

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