Croydon probe finds PVC windows spread fire faster than wood

The investigation was launched ahead of a inquest into the deaths of six people in a fire in Lakanal House in Camberwell, last July.

Vast numbers of Croydon Council houses had old wooden frames removed and replaced with PVC windows instead.

The BBC report claims experts have blamed the speed fires spread on the use of modern PVC windows.

According to the investigation by the Building Research Establishment, wooden window frames offer nine minutes more fire resistance to that of their plastic counterparts.

Arnold Tarling, a surveyor with 22 years' fire risk experience, told the BBC: “The PVC windows failed long before the timber windows.

"PVC windows expand [in fire] and when that happens internal linings bow.

"When they bow they allow fire and smoke to get between them and the frame. With timber frames that doesn't happen."

Similarities have now been made between the Camberwell fire in 2008 and a fire that tore through a South Norwood building on Christmas Day 2007.

Around 40 firefighters battled to extinguish the blaze which swept through the building in Marston Way, forcing residents to flee to safety.

Parts of the roof and third floor of the building collapsed in the sheer ferocity of the fire.

After the Croydon fire, the decision was taken by London Fire Brigade (LFB) not to prosecute the council.

Mr Tarling also said if Croydon Council had been prosecuted it may have forced the hand of other councils to use more fire resistant materials and carry out more in-depth risk assessments of their housing blocks.

Dudley Mead, deputy leader of Croydon Council, told the BBC: "Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

“We were just setting out [on doing risk assessments] at the time and did not rate it as high risk.

"We got external advice as to what caused this fire and made amendments to all blocks in this style."

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