60 residents evacuated over 'serious' fire concerns
Last updated 12th Jun 2018
Sixty residents have been evacuated from a block of flats in south Belfast aimd fears over serious fire concerns.
Radius announced the decision to permanently vacate Block B on a managed basis over the next four weeks after a survey raised concerns around its capacity to meet modern fire safety requirements.
Those who have been forced from their homes have been provided with temporary accommodation while they are waiting to be permanently re-housed under the Housing Selection Scheme adminis-tered by the NIHE.
A spokesperson for Radius Housing said:
Radius annually performs Fire Risk Assessments in its multi occupancy buildings. In April 2018 a detailed invasive survey was carried out on the residential elements of the Russell Court buildings given its complex and unusual history.
The initial findings of this survey have raised serious concerns regarding the long-term occupation of Block B and its capacity to meet modern fire safety requirements. We currently have 60 people living in the block.
Given these concerns Radius has taken the decision to permanently vacate Block B on a managed basis over the next four weeks. Today we have notified all tenants that this is the case.
Temporary accommodation will be available for all who require it while they are waiting to be per-manently re-housed under the Housing Selection Scheme administered by the NIHE.
Having taken expert advice we have put in place a number of enhanced safety measures whilst this re-accommodation process is underway. This includes Fire Marshals who are now present on-site 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. We continue to work with NIFRS throughout this process.
Unlike Block B, Block A was extensively refurbished in 2011 and does not present the same con-cerns.
Working with the NIHE, we have put in place a dedicated team to provide advice for those affected by this move. This includes housing staff, NIHE staff, and who together will provide advice on tem-porary accommodation, permanent accommodation, welfare payments and other issues.
A dedicated phone-line and email address for those affected is also now in place. Radius Housing will provide compensation and other additional support to those affected.
John McLean, CEO of Radius Housing said: “We understand that this news will be distressing for our residents some of whom have lived here for many years. We will do all we can now and in the future to support this re-accommodation process.
A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said:
“NIFRS was informed by Radius Housing of their survey findings in relation to Block B of the Russell Court Building in Belfast. Block B does not meet the required fire safety standards and the building is to be vacated. NIFRS has been working closely with Radius Housing and an action plan was agreed in the event of a fire in the building.
“NIFRS also reviewed its response plan for Russell Court and has ensured that Fire Crews from the 2 closest Fire Stations, Cadogan and Central, are familiar with the layout and have a detailed knowledge of the premises. Russell Court has a simultaneous evacuation policy in the event of a fire and NIFRS supports that policy in relation to this particular building.
“Firefighters have carried out an exercise to test water supplies and rehearse Firefighting procedures in the building. The exercise provided assurance that there was an effective water supply in the building and that operational response procedures worked well.
“Firefighters are on site on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 June to provide additional fire safety advice and reassurance to residents. NIFRS will continue to work closely with Radius Housing over the next 4 weeks as they vacate residents from Block B."