The London inferno — could it happen here?

How could it happen?

That’s the question everyone was asking as they watched the catastrophic fire that destroyed a London high-rise tower.

At least 17 are dead but authorities expect that number to rise as they search through the charred remains of the building.

The investigation of this tragedy will take some time but what we already know paints a frightening picture; only one staircase in the building, faulty wiring and an insufficient sprinkler system are only some of the worrisome details that have emerged so far.

The horrific pictures of the devastation had many observers wondering if something so tragic could happen in North America; the fact is, it already has.

The terrible fire at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas some years ago, a fire at The Inn on the Park in Toronto around the same time are just two of numerous fatal high-rise fires in North America.

2:14 London Building Fire: Canadian fire departments, officials say it’s unlikely to happen here

• London Building Fire: Canadian fire departments, officials say it’s unlikely to happen here
• Deadly inferno rips through London apartment tower
• Theresa May promises ‘proper’ investigation into London apartment fire
• Witnesses say London apartment building had a history of fires

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I know a man who was trapped in the upper floors of that Toronto hotel fire, as he saw flames and smoke from the lower floors blocking his escape.

To this day, he has a phobia about being in any tall building and who can blame him?

In our haste to build higher and higher in our cities, are we sacrificing safety for style and convenience?

The London inferno and the tragic loss of life should force us to answer that uncomfortable question.