Foreword

On 15 November 2019 a fre broke out at The Cube, student accommodation in Bolton town centre. The speed with which the fre took hold and the devastating impact it had on the building was truly shocking. We would like to introduce this report by expressing our appreciation for the actions of all those who responded to the fre. The incident demonstrated the great courage and effective decision making of our frefghters and offcers in the face of extremely testing circumstances.

As well as our own colleagues, residents of The Cube displayed courage, integrity and community spirit as they found themselves involved in a major incident. Partners from North West Fire Control, Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service, Bolton Council, and the University of Bolton also responded with courage and commitment to support operational frefghting, strategic decision making, and the evacuation and relocation of residents.

The incident highlights the risks within the built environment and the national pattern of buildings failing in fres. To deal with this threat, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service implemented a new procedure at the incident, a procedure that requires more resources be sent to a fre than was previously planned or budgeted for.

Whilst we will offer learning and areas of refection within this report, we are very proud that the overall response was a clear example of the high standards and professionalism that exist across Greater Manchester. Thanks to the quick and effective decision-making of frefghters and offcers on the night, and the actions of many of the students themselves, there was thankfully no loss of life.