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Building Safety Wiki Interviews - Helen Hewitt

2026-06-01T10:52:45Z

Wing Tsang (LMC): Created page with "File:Helen Hewitt 3.jpg Behind every regulation and guidance document are people working to make building safety function in practice. One of them is Helen..."

[[File:Helen Hewitt 3.jpg]] 
Behind every regulation and guidance document are people working to make building safety function in practice. 
 
One of them is Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation. 
 
We spoke to Helen about what is changing across the sector, from competence and culture to the realities of delivering safer buildings day to day.

== What motivated you to work in the fire industry, and what keeps you passionate about it today? ==

What motivated me is the sheer diversity of what our members at the British Woodworking Federation make and install, and the impact it has on homes, schools, public buildings and everyday life. When you are dealing with products like fire doors and stairs, you are absolutely in the space of protecting lives and part of a life-safety critical supply chain. 
 
Two things keep me passionate. First is the pace of regulatory change. Our industry has never been so heavily regulated across fire safety, building safety and wider standards. 
 
Second, I have worked across manufacturing industries for over 20 years, and the passion in woodworking and joinery goes above and beyond what I have seen elsewhere.

== From a leadership perspective, what is the biggest challenge the fire industry faces right now? ==

Competence, without question. It’s vital because if measures aren’t installed correctly, they won’t perform as they should and become safety hazards. We have a major opportunity to improve competence right across the built environment; not just in manufacturing, but in installation, maintenance, and sign off.

The other reality is that the Government’s proposed apprenticeship reforms would undermine the quality and robustness of a key route into our sector. That’s why the BWF has founded the [https://www.bwf.org.uk/latest-news/the-bwf-leads-a-coalition-of-organisations-across-the-construction-sector-to-protect-the-future-of-apprenticeships/ Construction Coalition], to challenge the reforms and ultimately save the future of our apprenticeships and the competence of future apprentices.

== What does ‘responsibility’ look like for senior leaders when it comes to fire safety? ==

Responsibility should be demonstrated by proactively championing best practice and competence as a business priority. 
 
It means making sure your workforce is trained and up to date with changing regulations, while also taking responsibility for the contractors brought onto sites or into buildings. 
 
A key part of this is understanding the difference between organisational competence and individual competence and making sure the two align. 
 
Historically, parts of the sector leaned heavily on organisational competence demonstrated through third-party schemes. Those schemes have value, but we also need confidence in the individuals doing the work, because that is what determines whether a product is fitted correctly and performs as it should. 
 
Ultimately, responsibility means ensuring that products are correctly specified and installed by a competent person, with evidence to demonstrate each step of the process.

== From your perspective, what is one common misconception clients or the public still have about fire safety? ==

People can assume that if you have bought and installed a fire door, you are safe. But a fire door is only a fire door if it is the right product, correctly installed, properly maintained and remains uncompromised over time. 
 
The same principles apply across building safety. It is not just a box-ticking exercise or a badge on a website; it’s about evidence, competence, and accountability. 
 
As an industry, we need to do more to address this. At the BWF, we have focused for many years on raising awareness of the life-saving role of fire doors through initiatives such as [https://www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk/ Fire Door Safety Week] and the [https://firedoors.bwf.org.uk/ BWF Fire Door Alliance]’s Be Certain, Be Certified campaign.

== What should companies be prioritising to initiate industry-wide culture change? ==

Companies should prioritise competence, evidence and consistency if they want to drive industry-wide culture change. 
 
The fire safety sector is fundamentally underpinned by the knowledge, skills and expertise of its people. Without demonstrable competence at every stage, from design, manufacturing, specification and installation through to inspection and maintenance – standards will inevitably vary. 
 
This should be supported by evidence, whether that’s proof of training, installation, product performance declarations or ongoing maintenance. 
 
For example, the [https://firedoors.bwf.org.uk/ BWF Fire Door Alliance (FDA)] champions third-party certification of fire doors and door sets to provide confidence and peace of mind for specifiers, building owners and managers that their fire door – if correctly installed and maintained, will perform as stated in the event of a fire. We need to shift the mindset to drive culture change; good practice should be the foundation.

== How can we improve collaboration and knowledge sharing within the industry? ==

We improve it by being very clear on who is doing what and then making it easier for the sector to align on shared frameworks. 
 
There is a lot of misinformation from organisations making unsubstantiated claims around their products, the competence of their employees and training courses being sold, which is having a negative impact and needs to be addressed. 
 
Competence work sits under the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) Sector Led Group 10 (SLG 10) – bringing together 700+ stakeholders and specialists, including the BWF. It has been established to deliver clear and comprehensive competence frameworks and a route of competence for installers of products, in this case fire doors. 
 
Beyond structures, collaboration improves when clients and regulators are aligned with industry on practical implementation and when we share what works. We need to avoid situations where others make claims and statements that contradict the routes to competence. 
 
The work of the SLG 10 is so important as the frameworks aren’t being driven by training providers or awarding organisations, which ultimately protects the integrity of the competence outcome.

== How should organisations attract and support professionals entering the fire industry? ==

We need to champion the diverse roles and opportunities within the sector. The fire safety industry offers the potential for a lifelong career with progression opportunities, clear purpose and pride in work that protects people and, when needed, saves lives. 
 
To support people once they are in, we must be clear about expectations, provide structured development and recognise that to build skills and maintain competence requires ongoing investment.

== If you could change one thing about how the UK approaches building safety, what would it be and why? ==

 
I’d ensure that as an industry we have more stability and joined up working across government and regulatory bodies. 
 
We need less fragmentation, clearer accountability, and more confidence that the system won’t change shape just as industry starts implementing it. 
 
We can deliver the shift toward more accountability, traceability and competence outlined by the Building Safety Act and post-Grenfell legislation updates but we need a framework that’s consistent, evidence-led, and gives industry the time and tools to adapt.

== Closing observations ==

Helen’s perspective reflects a wider shift across the industry, where sharing experience and practical insight is becoming increasingly important as building safety requirements continue to evolve. 
 
The Building Safety Wiki brings together this kind of knowledge from across the sector, helping professionals navigate regulation, guidance and real-world application in one place. 
 
If you have experience or insight to share, you can contribute directly or get in touch to be featured in a future interview. 
 
[https://www.bwf.org.uk/ https://www.bwf.org.uk/]

[[Category:Building_safety]]

File:Helen Hewitt 3.jpg

2026-06-01T10:52:27Z

Wing Tsang (LMC): Image of Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.

Image of Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.

Crans-Montana bar fire 2026

2026-02-11T09:51:34Z

Wing Tsang (LMC): Created page with "On 1 January 2026 at about 1:30 CET (local time), a deadly fire broke out at Le Constellation, an underground bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. Smoke and..."

On 1 January 2026 at about 1:30 CET (local time), a deadly fire broke out at Le Constellation, an underground bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. 
 
Smoke and flames rapidly filled the venue, trapping visitors inside. Emergency 
services responded and evacuated patrons but the fire escalated before crews could fully contain it. 
 
As of 1 February 2026, authorities report:

* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0lxr1ne52ro#:~:text=Teenager%20dies%20from%20Swiss%20bar%20fire%20injuries%2C%20bringing%20death%20toll%20to%2041,-AFP%20via%20Getty&text=A%20teenager%20who%20was%20injured,the%20local%20public%20prosecutor%20announced. 41 deaths] and [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0lxr1ne52ro 116 injured people]
* [https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2026/0105/1551501-switzerland-bar-fire/ 83 people] were treated for serious burns
* Victims included Swiss residents and foreign nationals and several young were people among the dead – the youngest being [https://www.gbnews.com/news/world/crans-montana-swiss-bar-fire-victim-identified-police 14 years old].

== Cause of the fire ==

Le Constellation was a two-level bar and nightclub with a basement area accessed by a set of stairs, crowded with revellers at the time of the fire.

Swiss investigators believe the fire was triggered by [https://news.sky.com/story/all-we-know-about-deadly-ski-resort-fire-and-why-it-spread-so-fast-13489204 champagne bottle sparklers] igniting acoustic foam on the basement ceiling, leading to a rapid flashover in the confined space.

Early reporting by the Swiss public broadcaster RTS claimed that the pyrotechnic “fountain” candles were held in the air during the celebrations, allowing sparks to reach the ceiling materials.

The venue’s underground layout and high occupancy made evacuation difficult. When flames and smoke spread rapidly, guests were unable to escape quickly which contributed to the high number of casualties.

== Investigation ==

Swiss prosecutors have [https://news.sky.com/story/swiss-fire-latest-owner-of-bar-where-40-people-died-in-new-years-eve-fire-arrested-13492387?utm_source=chatgpt.com detained co-owner Jacques Moretti] on risk-of-flight grounds and placed co-owner Jessica Moretti under house arrest, as a criminal inquiry into alleged negligent homicide and related offences continues. 
 
Separate reports cite the mayor saying the venue [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/swiss-bar-inspections-fire-investigation-new-year-day-b2895580.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com had not undergone an annual fire safety inspection since 2019].

The disaster triggered scrutiny of fire safety practices, particularly the use of flammable interior materials, emergency exits and evacuation planning.

In response, some Swiss cantons (including Valais and Geneva) have since banned indoor pyrotechnics to prevent similar tragedies.

== Aftermath and mourning ==

The Swiss Federal Council declared Friday 9 January 2026 as a day of [https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/romania/en/home/news/news.html/content/countries/romania/en/meta/news/2026/january/national-day-of-mourning national mourning] for the victims of Crans-Montana fire.

Political leaders and governments expressed condolences, and memorials were established near the venue. [https://apnews.com/article/vatican-switzerland-bar-fire-italy-pope-victims-d58bb91d7b0803b0b6bffb4a02048d11 The Pope] also met with victims’ families privately to offer comfort.

== Why does this matter to the UK? ==

While Swiss law differs from UK regimes, the incident highlights universal risk factors, for example:

* Ignition sources in crowded interiors, [https://www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/special-effect.htm including so-called bottle sparklers];
* [https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/fire-classification-of-construction-products-and-building-elements-classification-using-data-from-reaction-to-fire-tests Combustible acoustic treatments] and lining materials;
* [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-large-places-of-assembly Crowd management] and exit control;
* Cross-checking with [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b Building Regulations guidance] for non-domestic buildings.

The fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana showed the potential consequences of rapid-fire growth in confined public spaces. It reinforces the need for robust fire safety design, safe interior material selection, effective means of escape, and strict operational controls during high-risk events. 
 
Ongoing investigations and policy responses following the incident may influence future enforcement and guidance for bars, nightclubs and other assembly buildings across the world.

[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Wang Fuk Court fire of 2025

2025-12-10T17:06:11Z

Wing Tsang (LMC):

On 26 November 2025, a multi-tower fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court public housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong. By 1 December 2025, Hong Kong authorities confirmed [https://apnews.com/article/hong-china-wang-fire-dissent-c0db2a85bfbeac2fdcc6003b6ee7a463 151 deaths], with more than 40 people missing, making it one of [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/police-comb-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-apartments-death-toll-146-2025-12-01 the city’s deadliest fires since 1948]. 
 
After two days of operations, the fire was fully extinguished by Friday 28 November. 
 
Early reporting and official testing pointed to combustible temporary works materials, including green scaffolding mesh and foam sheets fixed to windows, as major contributors to rapid external fire spread. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

== What was Wang Fuk Court? ==

 
Wang Fuk Court was an eight-block high-rise housing complex in Tai Po, New Territories. Built in 1983, the tower blocks consisted of [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxe9r7wjgro 1,984 apartments], housing over [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxe9r7wjgro 4,600 residents]. 
 
At the time of the fire, all eight blocks were under external renovation and were wrapped in [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/fire-engulfs-residential-building-hong-kong-2025-11-26/? bamboo scaffolding encased with green safety netting].

=== Timeline of events ===

* Wednesday 26 November – 14:51, Hong Kong local time: The [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/fire-engulfs-residential-building-hong-kong-2025-11-26/? first fire was reported] on the lower levels of Wang Cheong House – one of the eight apartment buildings. Fire had spread to adjacent apartment blocks, including Wang Tai House and Wang Shing House. A [https://www.reuters.com/graphics/HONGKONG-FIRE/SPREAD/mopabqnzqva/?utm_source=braze&utm_medium=notifications&utm_campaign=2025_engagement No. 5 alarm] was raised at 18:22 local time, as flames climbed the scaffold and spread between blocks. 

* 27–28 November: Sections of scaffolding had failed or collapsed, hampering firefighting and access. The fire was declared fully extinguished on Friday 28 November. 

* Following days: The death toll rose as responders accessed severely damaged units. More than [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/police-comb-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-apartments-death-toll-146-2025-12-01/ 1,100 residents were housed in temporary accommodation].

== No. 5 alarm ==

Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department grades urban fires using alarms one to five, with five being the highest level used for the largest and most complex incidents. 
 
A No. 5 alarm triggers territory-wide mobilisation and cross-government coordination, including activation of the Government’s [https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/27/P2025112700078.htm Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre].

== Fire behaviour and contributing factors ==

Preliminary investigations and official briefings indicated that [https://apnews.com/article/hong-china-wang-fire-dissent-c0db2a85bfbeac2fdcc6003b6ee7a463 parts of the scaffolding netting used during renovation failed fire-retardant standards]. Foam sheets that were fixed to or around windows appear to have contributed to rapid vertical and lateral fire spread as flames climbed the scaffold into flats. 
 
[https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/01/breaking-unsafe-construction-netting-found-at-tai-po-fire-site-13-arrests-for-alleged-manslaughter/ Seven out of the 20 netting samples tested by authorities had failed safety checks]. These findings remain subject to formal investigation. 
 
Residents and officials reported the [https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334643/what-are-right-lessons-hong-kongs-worst-fire-7-decades malfunctioning of fire alarms] and temporary works that interfered with compartmentation and egress. These issues form part of ongoing investigations.

== Human impact ==

 
Local authorities confirmed 151 deaths as of 1 December 2025, with more than 40 people still missing and approximately 79 people injured. 
 
Victims of the incident included [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/police-comb-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-apartments-death-toll-146-2025-12-01/ migrant domestic workers] and long-term residents from multi-generational households. Community groups organised vigils and support, and consulates coordinated tracing and welfare. 
 
More than 1,100 people used temporary accommodation in shelters, hostels and hotels. Public donations surpassed HK$[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/hong-kong-labor-department-people-paris-chinese-b2875453.html 900 million], and the government established a HK$[https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2025/12/20251201/20251201_210754_012.html 300 million] support fund.

== Investigation and regulatory response ==

By 1 December 2025, police had [https://news.sky.com/story/hong-kong-high-rise-fire-13-arrested-for-suspected-manslaughter-as-death-toll-hits-151-13477818?utm_source=chatgpt.com arrested 13 people] on suspicion of manslaughter, including company directors and an engineering consultant linked to the renovation works. 
 
The Buildings Department suspended work at [https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/30/P2025113000022.htm 28 ongoing projects] linked to the contractor while investigations proceed. [[We_tend_to_refer_China_as_%E2%80%98Mainland%E2%80%99_for_articles_in_Hong_Kong,_I_am_not_sure_if_this_will_follow_for_the_Building_Safety_Wiki.|Mainland]] authorities announced nationwide inspections of high-rise fire safety. 
 
The Wang Fuk Court fire showed how temporary works can impact outcomes in occupied high-rise renovations. Early findings focus on the combustibility and compliance of scaffold netting and window protection materials, alongside weaknesses in warning and evacuation. 
 
Formal investigations will establish causation and accountability. Until then, the clearest lesson is strict control of temporary materials and maintained life-safety systems wherever residents remain in occupation.

Please note: The statistics are correct as of 1 December 2025.

[[Category:Building_safety]]

Wang Fuk Court fire of 2025

2025-12-10T17:05:20Z

Wing Tsang (LMC): Created page with "On 26 November 2025, a multi-tower fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court public housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong. By 1 December 2025, Hong Kong authorities confirmed [https://a..."

On 26 November 2025, a multi-tower fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court public housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong. By 1 December 2025, Hong Kong authorities confirmed [https://apnews.com/article/hong-china-wang-fire-dissent-c0db2a85bfbeac2fdcc6003b6ee7a463 151 deaths], with more than 40 people missing, making it one of [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/police-comb-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-apartments-death-toll-146-2025-12-01 the city’s deadliest fires since 1948]. 
 
After two days of operations, the fire was fully extinguished by Friday 28 November. 
 
Early reporting and official testing pointed to combustible temporary works materials, including green scaffolding mesh and foam sheets fixed to windows, as major contributors to rapid external fire spread. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

== What was Wang Fuk Court? ==

 
Wang Fuk Court was an eight-block high-rise housing complex in Tai Po, New Territories. Built in 1983, the tower blocks consisted of [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxe9r7wjgro 1,984 apartments], housing over [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxe9r7wjgro 4,600 residents]. 
 
At the time of the fire, all eight blocks were under external renovation and were wrapped in [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/fire-engulfs-residential-building-hong-kong-2025-11-26/? bamboo scaffolding encased with green safety netting].

=== Timeline of events ===

* Wednesday 26 November – 14:51, Hong Kong local time: 
The [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/fire-engulfs-residential-building-hong-kong-2025-11-26/? first fire was reported] on the lower levels of Wang Cheong House – one of the eight apartment buildings. Fire had spread to adjacent apartment blocks, including Wang Tai House and Wang Shing House. A [https://www.reuters.com/graphics/HONGKONG-FIRE/SPREAD/mopabqnzqva/?utm_source=braze&utm_medium=notifications&utm_campaign=2025_engagement No. 5 alarm] was raised at 18:22 local time, as flames climbed the scaffold and spread between blocks.
* 27–28 November: 
Sections of scaffolding had failed or collapsed, hampering firefighting and access. The fire was declared fully extinguished on Friday 28 November.
* Following days: 
The death toll rose as responders accessed severely damaged units. More than [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/police-comb-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-apartments-death-toll-146-2025-12-01/ 1,100 residents were housed in temporary accommodation].

== No. 5 alarm ==

Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department grades urban fires using alarms one to five, with five being the highest level used for the largest and most complex incidents. 
 
A No. 5 alarm triggers territory-wide mobilisation and cross-government coordination, including activation of the Government’s [https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/27/P2025112700078.htm Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre].

== Fire behaviour and contributing factors ==

Preliminary investigations and official briefings indicated that [https://apnews.com/article/hong-china-wang-fire-dissent-c0db2a85bfbeac2fdcc6003b6ee7a463 parts of the scaffolding netting used during renovation failed fire-retardant standards]. Foam sheets that were fixed to or around windows appear to have contributed to rapid vertical and lateral fire spread as flames climbed the scaffold into flats. 
 
[https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/01/breaking-unsafe-construction-netting-found-at-tai-po-fire-site-13-arrests-for-alleged-manslaughter/ Seven out of the 20 netting samples tested by authorities had failed safety checks]. These findings remain subject to formal investigation. 
 
Residents and officials reported the [https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334643/what-are-right-lessons-hong-kongs-worst-fire-7-decades malfunctioning of fire alarms] and temporary works that interfered with compartmentation and egress. These issues form part of ongoing investigations.

== Human impact ==

 
Local authorities confirmed 151 deaths as of 1 December 2025, with more than 40 people still missing and approximately 79 people injured. 
 
Victims of the incident included [https://www.reuters.com/world/china/police-comb-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-apartments-death-toll-146-2025-12-01/ migrant domestic workers] and long-term residents from multi-generational households. Community groups organised vigils and support, and consulates coordinated tracing and welfare. 
 
More than 1,100 people used temporary accommodation in shelters, hostels and hotels. Public donations surpassed HK$[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/hong-kong-labor-department-people-paris-chinese-b2875453.html 900 million], and the government established a HK$[https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2025/12/20251201/20251201_210754_012.html 300 million] support fund.

== Investigation and regulatory response ==

By 1 December 2025, police had [https://news.sky.com/story/hong-kong-high-rise-fire-13-arrested-for-suspected-manslaughter-as-death-toll-hits-151-13477818?utm_source=chatgpt.com arrested 13 people] on suspicion of manslaughter, including company directors and an engineering consultant linked to the renovation works. 
 
The Buildings Department suspended work at [https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/30/P2025113000022.htm 28 ongoing projects] linked to the contractor while investigations proceed. [[We%20tend%20to%20refer%20China%20as%20‘Mainland’%20for%20articles%20in%20Hong%20Kong,%20I%20am%20not%20sure%20if%20this%20will%20follow%20for%20the%20Building%20Safety%20Wiki.|Mainland]] authorities announced nationwide inspections of high-rise fire safety. 
 
The Wang Fuk Court fire showed how temporary works can impact outcomes in occupied high-rise renovations. Early findings focus on the combustibility and compliance of scaffold netting and window protection materials, alongside weaknesses in warning and evacuation. 
 
Formal investigations will establish causation and accountability. Until then, the clearest lesson is strict control of temporary materials and maintained life-safety systems wherever residents remain in occupation.

Please note: The statistics are correct as of 1 December 2025.

[[Category:Building_safety]]