14/06/2026
💚 Grenfell Tower | 9 Years On 💚
Today, we remember the 72 lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire, on the 9th anniversary of that tragic night.
It began in the early hours of June 14th, 2017. Just before 1 a.m., the London Fire Brigade received a call reporting a fire in flat 16 of Grenfell Tower. Two fire engines responded immediately. When they arrived, they saw flames and called for backup "Make Pumps 4".
More calls soon followed. The fire service advised residents to stay put, but at 01:08, firefighters saw the fire breach the window and ignite the building’s external cladding. They requested more help - "Make Pumps 6", and an aerial appliance.
Despite efforts, the external flames resisted water. By 01:30, the fire had spread across the entire building. A further call was made - "Make Pumps 25".
Nearly 300 people lived in Grenfell. By 01:38, 110 had escaped, but fire doors had failed, and smoke quickly filled the stairwells, trapping many inside.
The scene was chaotic. Calls from trapped residents flooded the control room. By 02:40, the fire service called for ‘pumps 40,’ a response rarely seen since the Blitz.
Firefighters worked tirelessly, many in breathing apparatus, searching for those inside. Conditions worsened—smoke, heat, and the threat of collapse. Some wrote their names on helmets, knowing how dangerous it was.
The fire was finally extinguished on June 16th. The loss was devastating: 72 lives, including five-year-old Isaac Paulos, who was separated from his family. Another 74 were seriously injured.
Today, we remember all affected:
- The loved ones of those who died
- The community forever changed
- The brave emergency workers who risked everything
- Those carrying trauma long after that night
We seek justice and lessons learned to prevent another tragedy.
May the 72 souls rest in peace. You are never forgotten.
https://cadetcard.com/article&id=40
