On 23/06/17 21:15, John Rumm wrote:
On 23/06/2017 19:21, ss wrote:

Not being electrically savvy but should the `trip` switch on the mains
meter not have clicked in and cut the current off to prevent a fir
starting.

Not necessarily - it depends on if the fault caused it to draw too much
current or allow excess earth leakage. If the answer to both those is
"no", then the circuit protection will be none the wiser that things are
going pear shaped elsewhere.



While, assuming there was an RCD on the circuit, it is hard to believe
once the fire 'took hold', the insulation wouldn't cause it to trip, the
fire could easily continue to burn.

The real question is, why the occupier/owner didn't take steps to
contain the fire and call the fire brigade. Early reports indicate he
collected items and told a neighbour, who could see the fire in his
kitchen- meaning the door to his flat was open. Had the precaution of
simply closing doors and windows etc. and ensuring the fire service were
called, could the fire have been contained?

Those being evacuated in Camden reported that there had been several
fires in their block(s), all of which had been contained.

This isn't an attempt to blame the tenant, he may well have simply
panicked or not known what to do for whatever reason. Sadly, such things
happen.