An official investigation following the fire that occurred at the Station Hill high-rise development in Reading in November 2023 has prompted renewed calls across the fire safety sector to prioritise risk mitigation strategies during construction, especially regarding hot work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stressed that “hot work” – any activity involving open flames, sparks, or heat application – should be “designed out wherever possible” to prevent similar incidents. The blaze broke out shortly before midday on 23 November 2023, producing thick black smoke visible across the Reading area.

The fire, which occurred while the building was still under construction, drew national attention when crane operator Glen Edwards rescued a stranded worker from the flames. Edwards, later described as the “Bruce Willis of Reading”, was recognised for his bravery with a BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference award. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation following the incident.

The development, which includes commercial space set to house companies such as PepsiCo, is scheduled to open to tenants this weekend. It occupies the site of the former NCP car park on Garrard Street, with initial planning approval granted by Reading Borough Council in January 2021.

While the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is still determining the precise cause of the fire, the construction and fire safety industries have already begun drawing conclusions.

“To prevent future occurrences and develop best practice, the construction industry has shared lessons learned from this incident,” said a spokesperson from the HSE. “This includes raising awareness that hot works should be designed out wherever possible, in order to eliminate fire risk. Those working on construction sites should ensure there are suitable and sufficient measures to manage the risk from fire.”

This reminder of the fire risks associated with construction underscores the need for industry-wide adherence to fire safety best practices, particularly at high-rise developments.

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