Grenfell Tower Fire: Firefighters' Activities and Their Exposure to Fire Smoke and Heat.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to characterize the smoke exposure of firefighters who attended the Grenfell Tower fire during the initial 20 hours.

METHODS

As no compilation of exposure data exists, data were compiled from nine unconnected sources, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, firefighters' statements, incident logs, and the UK Firefighter Cancer and Disease Registry.

RESULTS

Of the 628 firefighters who attended, information was available from 524. Eighty-nine percent reported exposure to smoke without respiratory protection equipment (RPE), of whom 23% also reported exposure to excessive heat. Common reasons for smoke exposure were assisting casualties (18%), running out of air (15%), and climbing stairs without activating RPE to conserve air (17%).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of firefighters reported inhaling smoke during the incident with potentially debilitating health effects.