Brighton and Hove City Council is to investigate fire safety in homes across the city – especially in high buildings and blocks of flats – following the death of a resident of a care home following a fire last week.

On Friday a resident of Patching Lodge died following a fire at the building. Other residents were evacuated to neighbouring Leach Courtand were safely allowed to return to their homes a few hours later.

Police and fire investigators are examining what happened and will report in due course.

The Environment and Community safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee will examine the steps the council has taken to make sure everyone is as safe as they can be from the risk of fire breaking out.

Green Party councillor Ben Duncan has called for a full investigation.

Cllr Duncan said:
“The death last week was an absolute tragedy and, coming just a few weeks after the death of two fire-fighters in a high-rise block in Southampton, it reminds us all of the responsibilities we face to make sure everyone is safe in their homes.
 
“The Council and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Authority have been working closely with residents to make sure fire risks are minimised – and I am delighted that there will be a scrutiny investigation to make sure we are doing all we can to prevent an incident like this happening again.”

For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk