In an urgent action to protect the safety of Harlow residents, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service issued a prohibition notice on Joseph Rank House in the heart of Harlow town center due to serious fire safety concerns. This immediate directive, served last night to Places for People, the building’s owners, mandates the evacuation of all 44 occupied flats starting from 9 am Friday 28th.
Dan Partridge, Area Manager for Prevention and Protection at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, detailed the gravity of the situation:
“We have issued a prohibition notice against Joseph Rank House, Harlow. This means the owners must ask residents to evacuate the building immediately as we believe there is a threat to life related to fire safety. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will only ever serve a prohibition notice when it is absolutely necessary. We never want people to lose their homes, but our responsibility is to keep people safe and protect them from the risk of fire.”
He further explained the specific risks that prompted this drastic measure:
“In this instance, we are clear that the property does not meet fire regulations. Specifically, we believe if there was a fire in the building there is potential for rapid smoke spread both internally and externally. This would mean residents would not be able to evacuate safely and this would put residents at a higher risk of serious injury or death. It would therefore have been highly irresponsible for our Service not to immediately prohibit the use of the building.”
Residents are not facing this crisis alone. Harlow Council, along with Places for People and a collaboration of local agencies including Essex County Council, Essex Police, and health partners, are actively supporting those displaced. Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, emphasized the community’s swift response:
“Harlow Council is working closely with the building owner Places for People and other partners to support all the affected residents. From the time we were advised of the formal decision by Essex Fire Rescue, our teams have been working around the clock to ensure we are ready to assist.”
This enforced evacuation underscores the critical nature of adhering to fire safety regulations and the ongoing efforts by local authorities to ensure the well-being of their communities. As the situation unfolds, further updates and support measures are expected to be announced.
Source: Essex County Fire & Rescue
