Following last week's severe fire at a partially built development of flats in Peckham, south London, which spread to neighbouring inhabited homes, senior fire officers are calling for action on timber frame construction sites.

In a joint statement with the Fire Protection Association, they reiterate the importance of giving fire and rescue services early notification of any proposed construction using timber frame structures. They also demand increased policing of construction sites involving large timber frames by the Health and Safety Executive, and greater recognition of the risks of timber frame construction on the part of building control authorities. 

In May this year, a joint report by the Practitioners' Forum and the Business and Community Safety Forum calling for action on timber framed building fire risks was submitted to ministers. Although the two groups conceded at the time that guidance developed with the UK Timber Frame Association went some way to address the risks, they said it was not well publicised or integrated with other regulations and guidance.

"These fires are characterised by rapid fire spread, enormous radiated heat and the large spread of embers, frequently causing secondary fires in adjacent and neighbouring properties," said Jonathan O'Neill, Managing Director of the Fire Protection Association. "This type of construction is now routinely being utilised in densely populated areas, and we appear to have been fortunate that no one has died or been seriously injured in any of the incidents to date."

The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) said the Peckham fire should be put into context given the number of timber frame sites under construction at any one time. But it stressed the importance of following its own site fire safety guidelines, as well as those available from the Health and Safety Executive and the Fire Protection Association.

UKTFA issued a statement saying: "Timber frame as a building method has too many benefits for us to ignore in our efforts to provide high quality affordable homes that help to tackle climate change. What matters above all good site security and site management by the contractor during the construction period.

"It is extremely important that all developers and contractors take what actions they can to ensure the security of their sites, particularly in inner city locations or areas vulnerable to vandalism or arson. The good news is that timber frame buildings are very fast and easy to complete and to get to a stage where full fire protection is in place."