The High-rise Fire-traps

Two-thirds of Birmingham's 213 tower blocks only have one exit stairwell - and none have centralised fire alarm systems. 

A BBC investigation found fire doors that did not shut properly, others that were not fire resistant and wooden frames that would not stop a blaze spreading.

In the wake of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower, Birmingham council issued residents with fire survival guides which advises them to 'stay put' if a blaze breaks out. An expert said council advice for people to 'stay put' if a fire breaks out was unsafe in one block he viewed.

 At Pritchett Tower, in Small Heath fire safety expert Arnold Tarling found features that would not prevent fire spreading from flat to flat. Fire doors to individual flats were not fitted correctly and would fail to provide 30 minutes of protection required in building regulations, he found. Plywood panels above door frames would also fail to stop fire spreading. Mr Tarling said: "You cannot rely in this building on a one-hour, fire compartment 'stay put' policy because the compartments are breached."

At Bakeman House, in Yardley, the expert found defective fire doors that would provide less than 20 minutes' fire protection - possibly just three or four minutes.

In respect of the wooden door frames, Birmingham  Council said these fire doors and partitions were original fittings and were not required to meet current building regulations.