West Midlands Fire Service has been quick to reassure Dudley residents living in high-rise flats of their safety in the wake of the London tower block blaze which has killed at least 17 people.

Speaking to the Dudley News at Oldbury Fire Station, chief fire officer of West Midlands Fire Service Phil Loach said the service is “maintaining our robust position regarding safety” after the “horrific” incident at Grenfell Tower.

He said there were no significant known issues with 400-plus tower blocks across the West Midlands, which have seen around 260 injuries from fires within the past five years. He said:

“In the aftermath of the aftermath of the horrific incident at Grenfell Tower in North London we want to provide reassurance for the community that we are maintaining our robust position regarding safety for people living in high rise tower blocks across the West Midlands.

“Reassurance is an important aspect of our whole approach to managing risk. We have a really good record of a reduction in incidents in high-rise buildings, however we base our assessments on risk and it is informed by demand.

“We prepare to be able to deal with incidents of the nature you have seen in North London. The frequency is fortunately fairly low, but we still do have those incidents and the severity is the same as it ever was, if not slightly higher.

“We continue to work with communities to keep them informed on the behaviours they can have to keep themselves safe in their homes.”

Following the tragic blaze in London, Sarah Norman, chief executive of Dudley Council, said the authority would take “urgent steps” to make sure high-rise flats In the borough are safe.

She tweeted: “Devastated by news of fire in London tower block We are taking urgent steps to check safety systems & the advice we give @dudleymbc tenants.”