ABSTRACT
In 1969 a disastrous fire fighting operation in east London put the friendly, collaborative relationship that existed between the Inspectorate, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the Fire Brigades Union under considerable strain. It remains the worst loss of UK fire-fighters in peacetime. A fire at B Stern and Co's upholstery factory in James Watt Street, Glasgow was to bring these risks together with devastating consequences. The Summerland Leisure Complex in Douglas was a spacious modern building designed to accommodate 10,000 visitors in dance halls, restaurants, games areas and bars. Fires at London Underground stations at Green Park and Oxford Circus had fortunately not led to loss of life, but these were followed by a truly horrific fire at King's Cross Underground station. In July 2009 a tragic blaze in Camberwell, London, opened a new debate. Six people, including three small children, perished in a fire in a 12-storey council block containing 98 flats.
