Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which Fires of Special Interest his Department commissioned investigations for in 2023.

The “Investigation of Real Fires” project has been undertaken on behalf of Government since 1988 and gathers information through the investigation of real fires. It ensures that research into fire safety related issues commissioned by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and previously DLUHC adequately responds to emerging challenges, as well as keeping officials and Ministers suitably informed of high-profile incidents, both in England and beyond. This work includes those fires which would previously have been classified as “Fires of Special Interest”.

The most recent annual report covers the period 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023. During that period, 237 fires worldwide were recorded under the contract.