The FBU has called for “action and justice” after 10 people died in a fire in a 14-storey residential block in Valencia, Spain, in February.
The blaze spread rapidly to an adjoining building, destroying all apartments. It was the deadliest fire in the city in modern history. Seven firefighters were among the 15 people injured.
Once again, we see the profits of developers being prioritised over human life.
Experts agree that the buildings were covered with highly flammable cladding, which, combined with high winds, led to the blocks being engulfed within 30 minutes. Materials used in the cladding are being investigated, with the focus on thermoplastics.
The complex was built in the 2000s by a now bankrupt private developer, Fbex, and clad in aluminium composite panels.
Firefighters rescued residents using cranes, but were unable to reach higher than the 12th floor due to the accelerated spread of the fire.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, sent a message of solidarity to all those affected by the tragedy. “Early indications are that, as happened during the Grenfell tower tragedy, the Valencia fire spread quickly because of flammable cladding, and lives have been lost as a result.
“Once again, we see the profits of developers being prioritised over human life,” he said.
