Firefighters from fire brigades across the UK are marking the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell disaster today by participating in the silent walk organised and led by the bereaved, survivors and residents of Grenfell.
The silent walks, which have taken place in the five years since the disaster, are held to mark those who lost their lives and call for justice for the disaster, with to date no one facing criminal charges.
At the silent walk, firefighters local to Grenfell, some of whom will have responded to the disaster themselves, will form a guard of honour for the community.
Hundreds of firefighters and control staff were involved in responding to the Grenfell disaster, and many have remained involved with the community since the disaster.
Firefighters from across the country and scores of firefighters from London and the surrounding areas are attending in order to mark the memories of those who last their lives, and express solidarity with the Grenfell community.
Pete Wolfenden, a firefighter who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire, said:
“It’s been five years since the Grenfell Tower fire and the thoughts and wishes go out from all London firefighters and fire control staff personnel to the survivors and friends and family of those who lost their lives in this appalling incident, the worst domestic blaze in living memory.
“We also remember the brave and courageous members of all the emergency services who attended on the night and subsequent days, some of who still suffer Ill health and bear the mental scars of attending that traumatic incident.”
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:
“Firefighters and the Grenfell community have a bond that was forged in tragedy, and the Fire Brigades Union stands in solidarity with all bereaved, survivors and residents. Today on the fifth anniversary of the fire, it is a time for reflection, and to remember all those who lost their lives, and the loved ones they left behind. Their legacy lives on in the fight for justice. The community have faced constant denials from those responsible for Grenfell being covered in cladding as flammable as petrol. They have faced a wait for criminal charges that continues to this day. They inspire us all with their relentless fight for justice and we continue to stand in solidarity with them every step of the way.”
The Fire Brigades Union represents the majority of the firefighters and firefighter control staff involved in the Grenfell response, and as well as campaigning for justice since the disaster has also added its voice to the campaigning to end the building safety crisis that has come to light in the wake of Grenfell.
