RESIDENTS living in high-rise buildings are being urged to ensure they have a scheduled evacuation drill following the Grenfell Tower fire on Tuesday night.

The 24-storey block went up in flames in the early hours and at least 12 people are known to have died as a result of the tragedy.

Although the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown, it is believed the polythene cladding on the exterior of the building caused the fire to accelerate at a devastating rate.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is offering advice and reassurance to people are understandably concerned about the risks of living in blocks of flats following the events in Kensington.

Mark Gaskarth, area manager for RBFRS, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.

“Our colleagues in London Fire Brigade have been working incredibly hard and our thoughts are with them as well.

“It would be wrong to speculate about the cause of the fire until a full investigation has been carried out.

“While these incidents are rare, it is important at this stage to focus on those affected and also ensuring our residents feel safe.”

People living in high-rise properties or purpose built flats are being asked to make sure they have a designated escape route and regularly check they have working smoke alarms.

If there is a fire in your flat, alert everyone and leave, ensuring the door is closed behind you.

Follow the escape plan and if there is lots of smoke you crawl along the floor where the air should be clearer.

Always use the stairs, rather than the lift, and call 999 as soon as you are in a safe place.