Call for probe into fatal blaze at flats block in Pollard Close, Holloway

Published: 10th December, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

A COUNCILLOR is demanding a full inquiry into circumstances surrounding the death of a 74-year-old woman in a blaze at her top-floor flat.

Labour councillor Barry Edwards called for the investigation following claims by Fire Brigades Union officials that the withdrawal of an appliance from Holloway fire station prevented them getting to the woman within a minute of the alert.

Mary Kendrick, 74, was unable to escape the fire which broke out on the seventh floor of council flats at Pollard Close just before 10pm on Sunday.

Her husband, Roy, also in his 70s, was recovering in hospital this week after suffering minor burns and smoke inhalation. He had tried to get help when the blaze, which gutted the flat, broke out.

The first firefighters from Islington, Kentish Town and Hornsey were said to have taken about eight minutes to reach the block after being called at 9.57pm. 

But firefighters at Holloway fire station, less than a mile away in Hornsey Road, said they could have been there within a minute if London Fire Brigade had returned an engine it removed on October 17.

There are normally two appliances at Holloway but one was attending a burst water main. The second had been removed by the brigade in case it is needed in the event of another strike. Crews had the blaze under control by 12.30am on Monday.

Paul Carpen, Holloway representative of the Fire Brigades Union, is in dispute with London Fire Brigade over restructuring plans. His members are working to rule.

Mr Carpen said: “The removal of our second fire engine meant we were unable to get to that fire as quickly as we could have done.

“A woman has lost her life and her husband ended up in hospital. But we could have been at their flat within five minutes, giving first aid if we had that extra appliance.”  

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “There are usually two fire engines based at Holloway station. One has been temporarily withdrawn, along with 26 other fire engines from across London, to provide fire cover during any further strike action, but on Sunday evening a fire engine remained available at Holloway fire station. 

“That fire engine was not called to this particular incident because it was attending a call to a burst water main. Instead, as per normal, an appliance from Islington fire station, which is nearby, attended. 

“If the FBU confirmed that they will not take any further strike action, the 27 appliances that have been removed from service could be returned. The FBU also persist in taking unnecessary industrial action short of a strike, which is producing some shortages.”

Cllr Edwards said that the issue needed to be examined. “We obviously don’t want a situation where it’s possible that lives are put at risk by the lack of equipment,” he said. 

Mrs Kendrick’s next-door neighbour, company director Ian Pogue, 52, described how he was alerted by Mr Kendrick, who told him the flat was alight and his wife – who had difficulty walking – was trapped inside.

“We rushed next door to see what we could do,” Mr Pogue said. “But we couldn’t get inside the flat. We were beaten back by the smoke and the flames.”

He added: “Mary was one of the nicest women and one of the best neighbours you could ever want. She and Roy always kept an eye on our flat when we were away. It’s terribly sad. I can’t imagine how Roy must be feeling. He must be devastated.”

Officers were still investigating the cause this week.